From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Florence (disambiguation).

Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy, with a population of some 400,000. It is a fantastically beautiful city, a cultural, artistic and architectural gem.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By train 2.3 By car 2.4 By bus 3 Get around 4 See 4.1 Museums 4.2 Other sights 5 Do 6 Learn 7 Work 8 Buy 9 Eat 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid-range 9.3 Dessert 10 Drink 10.1 Mid-range 10.2 Splurge 11 Sleep 11.1 Budget 11.2 Camping 11.3 Hostel 11.4 Bed and Breakfast 11.5 Hotels 11.5.1 Budget 11.5.2 Mid-range 11.5.3 Splurge 12 Contact 13 Stay safe 14 Stay healthy 15 Get out

Understand

Florence was very much the epicentre of the Italian Renaissance and remains one of the world's top attractions for lovers of art. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, the Renaissance capital of the world, with famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, is a sight not to be missed. The world famous Duomo with the Brunelleschi cupola and the marble clad baptistry are simply stupendous, but not all the monuments are like this. The streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, the palaces robust and intimidating. But have a look at the squares - wonderful Mediterranean places where you will like spending hours sitting down, having a coffee and just watching people passing by.

However, Florence is a city of incomparable pleasure concerning churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Among the things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the cathedral with the baptistry, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.

Get in

By plane

The airport is Amerigo Vespucci (code FLR). It has good connections to the center of the city, which can be reached in about fifteen minutes by taxi. The Ataf-Sita "Vola in Bus" ("Fly by bus") service costs €4 one way, and makes the circuit between the airport and the central train station about every half an hour from 5:30AM to 8:30PM, then once an hour afterwards.

Much cheaper flights to destinations throughout Europe can be found at Pisa airport (only a 5,10€ train journey from the center of Florence). Low-cost airlines which fly to Pisa include Thomsonfly, Easyjet, Ryanair, Transavia and HLX.

By train

Local trains from other parts of Italy and express trains from around Europe arrive in Florence. The main station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella, on the edge of the historic old town. Other small stations are Firenze Campo Marte (near Florence Stadium) and Firenze Rifredi. If you take an Intercity train to Florence, you may need to change at Rifredi for another train to Firenze S.M.N.

By car

Florence is connected by good highways to the rest of Italy. Cars aren't allowed in the small old town center, so plan on parking your car and leaving it for a while.

Parking is expensive. There's a cheap open air parking between the "Fortezza da basso" and "Santa Maria Novella" railway station. On Sundays it's free!

By bus

Bus stops have clear labeling of the routes, and some stops are shared with trams. They do not always give an indication of bus times, however, so they can be a bit disconcerting to use. Tickets must be bought in advance from Tabaconists, and are usually valid for one hour over the whole network, so that you can just hop on and off at will. They are cheap, and 1 day, and 3 day tourist tickets are also available.

http://www.ataf.net/ is the official website. It has maps and timetables.

Get around

Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. Walking is not only an easy way to get around, it offers the chance to 'take in' much more of the city life.

Much of the town center is blocked off to automobiles; motor-bikes and bicycles are common. Some of the hotels actually provide their guest with free bicycles as well.

You can easily travel on foot, by motor-bike or in the small electric buses which are available in the city center. There is decent bus service in other parts of town as well.

Taxis are available, but it's best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead. There is apparently a waiting list, so Taxis can't just be hailed on the street. There is however a system of Taxi call boxes where you will receive a ticket to present when you get in the cab.

See

Museums

The Uffizi is the most famous, but Florence also has other amazing museums a short walk away with world class artistic treasures.

• The Galleria degli Uffizi - Piazzale degli Uffizi, 50122. Tel. 055 294883. [1] Tu-Sun, 8.15 am - 6.50 pm. Justly one of the world's most famous fine art museums. The collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures from classical antiquity are superb. There are often long lines (several hours' wait is not uncommon) since even before the doors are open. Useful tip: you can call and make a reservation in advance (booking fee: € 3 per person) and walk right in, or buy reserved tickets at the door. This is strongly recommended. The restaurant/caffè has a large balcony overlooking the main piazza with good views of the Palazzo Vecchio. It is a great place to take a break for art lovers making a non-rushed visit to this fantastic collection. This cafe is rather expensive however. Street performers are often seen outside the Uffizi. Admission € 6,50.
• Bargello. Officially The National Museum of the Bargello, this museum houses one of the best examples of Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture. The works of many great Renaissance sculpters are on display here, including Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli, Andrea and Jacopo Sansovino, Desiderio da Settignano, Giambologna, and Antonio Rossellino. The museum is located adjacent to the famous Ufizi and can be seen in a few hours. Admission is about 4 Euro.
• Accademia. More sculpture, highlights are Michelangelo's David and the unfinished Slaves. The David was recently cleaned ina controversial project. No photography is allowed inside. Wait times can be under one hour in the off-season.
• Pitti Palace. On the quieter south bank of the Arno. The former Medici family palace contains galleries of their art and treasures. The Boboli gardens behind the palazzo offer wonderful walks and excellent views of the city and the countryside south of the city.
• Museo dell'Opera del Duomo - the Cathedral Museum, with artworks formerly in the Duomo and surrounding religious buildings, including sculptures by Donatello and the losing entries in the contest to design the doors of the Baptistery. Models and drawings of the Cathedral. Worthy.
• Institute and Museum of the History of Science [2]. This museum shows the evolution of the instruments used in various scientific fields such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy. The room of Galileo Galilei shows some of his original instruments as well as models from his drawings. The room of Spheres and Globes is an excellent cartographic collection.

For those making longer stays in Florence, the city also has an interesting archaeological museum (the Etruscan art collection is particularly good), a Contemporary Art gallery, and other collections.

Other sights

American Cemetery of Florence: Arlington-like United States WWII military cemetery. Expansive and beautiful, 6,000 United States soliders laid to rest, fallen in the campaign to liberate Italy from fascism. 20 minute bus ride from the Sita Station, just ask agent (get a return ticket) no cost to enter.

In the old town center:

• Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo di Firenze is the city's beautiful cathedral, the symbol of the city. Brunelleschi's huge dome was an engineering feat of the rennaissance. A statute of Brunelleschi is sited in the piazza, with his figure looking upwards towards his dome.
• Giotto's Tower - you can climb the tower for a magnificent view of the Duomo, Florence, and the surrounding area. Small entrance fee, and requires some tenacity to climb 400+ steps.
• Baptistery famous for the Paradise door and beautiful interior.
• Palazzo Vecchio - old city palace/city hall, adorned with fine art. The replica of Michelangelo's "David" is placed outside the main door in the original location of the statue, which is a symbol of the commune of Florence.
• Ponte Vecchio the oldest and most famous bridge over the Arno; the only Florentine bridge to survive WW2. The Ponte Vecchio (literally "old bridge") is lined with shops, traditionally mostly jewellers since the days of the Medici. Vasari's elevated walkway crosses the Armo over the Ponte Vecchio, connecting the Uffizi to the old Medici palace.
• Santa Croce church contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante, and many other notables in addition to artistic decorations. There is also great artwork in the church. And when you're done seeing that, a separate charge will gain you admission to the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, where you can see a flood-damaged but still beautiful Crucifix by Cimabue (Giotto's teacher) and the Pazzi Chapel, a perfectly symmetrical example of sublime neo-Classic Renaissance architecture.
• Santa Maria Novella, near the train station, is a beautiful church and contains great artwork, including a Trinity by Masaccio. Also, the Chiostre Verde, to your left when facing the front entrance of the church, contains frescos by Paolo Uccello which are quite unusual in style and well worth seeing, if the separate entrance is open. Off of the church's cloister is the wonderful Spanish Chapel which is covered in early Renaissance frescoes.
• Orsanmichele the old church of the Medici.
• San Lorenzo the facade of this church was never completed, giving it a striking, rustic appearence. Inside the church is pure Renaissance neo-classical splendor. If you go around the back of the church, there is a seperate entrance to the Medici chapels. Be sure to check out the stunning burial chapel of the princes and the sacristy down the corridor. The small sacristy is blessed with the presence of nine Michelangelo sculptures.

On the south bank of the Arno:

• Boboli Gardens, elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures, behind the Pitti Palace. Wonderful city views.
• Santa Maria del Carmine has famous frescos in the Brancacci Chapel
• Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo square) plaza on a hilltop with a great view of the city (go there by bus).
• San Miniato al Monte, uphill from Piazzale Michelangelo, contains a chapel with frescoes by Spinello Aretino. On the cemetry near this church there are graves of famous people of Florence, including Carlo Lorenzi (Collodi) - author of the famous Pinocchio.
• Santa Trinita, on the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio, contains frescos by the brilliant and weird mannerist painter, Pontormo, which are to your immediate right when entering.

Do

See art, eat, drink, see more art, hear music, shop, take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside, people watch, climb to the top of the Duomo or Campanile, see more art, eagerly plan for your return visit.

Take a stroll in the Boboli gardens, stop in the hilltop cafe, grab a drink and a seat outside and enjoy the view!

Go to the "Piazzale Michelangelo" and enjoy the really nice view. It's a big square on hill, but somewhat distant from the traditional tourist sites. It's easy to reach it even on foot using the stairs called "Rampe di San Niccolò". They are on the side of the Arno river just in front of the national library. Do this thing during the summer and during the night to admire Florence's lights.

Learn

The Cultural Center for Foreigners at the University of Florence offers 5 to 10 week courses in Italian language and culture. The preparatory course is suitable for people with no previous knowledge of Italian. The courses are taught entirely in Italian, i.e., they are totally immersive. The staff can help you find student accomodation.

Work

Buy

Souvenirs related to art and Florence's sights can be found everywhere. Shops that are not located in the very centre of the city are significantly cheaper.

Books, leather goods, art handcrafted journals, frames, pencils etc. in that gorgeous Florentine paper with swirls of color and gold.

Beware: If the police catch you buying a knock-off version of something with a brand from a street vendor, you can be fined up to €10,000. You'll see plenty of people on the street selling imitation Gucci sunglasses, Rolex watches, and Prada purses for dirt cheap. It's okay if the item doesn't have a real brand on it, but buying a knock-off is illegal.

Eat

Remember that restaurants have separate prices for food to go or eaten standing up versus sit down service; don't try to sit at a table after paying for food or coffee from the restaurant's to go booth. Also ask always beforehand for the price if you want to sit at a table. Otherwise you might be uncomfortably surprised. Cappuccino al banco i.e. standing up might cost 1-3 euros; but at a table 4 euros.

Florence's food can be as much of a treat to the palate as the art is a treat to the eye! There is good food for any price range, from fine restaurants to take out food from window stands. The best price/quality ratio you will find outside the historical center where normal Italians go to eat. The worst ratio is probably in the neighbourhood of Mercato di San Lorenzo where there are a lot of tourist restaurants.

Typical Tuscan courses include Bistecca alla fiorentina which is huge t-bone steak weighing from 500 to 900 grams. It has always price given per 100 grams e.g. 3,5€ etto (etto is "hecto" pronounced in Italian). Crostini toscani are crostini with tuscan liver paté.

There are many gelato (Italian ice cream) stands; some connoisseurs consider the better Florentine gelato the finest in the world. Many times gelato is made in the bar where you buy it. Because of this there are many exotic tastes of ice cream like watermelon, spumante or garlic.

Tuscany is also the wellspring of cantuccini, also called biscotti di Prato. (Please note that in Italian, the singular of biscotti is un biscotto.) It's traditional to enjoy them after a meal by dipping them in Vin Santo ("Holy Wine"), a concentrated wine made from late-harvested grapes, but you can also buy bags of them in stores throughout the city and eat them however you like.

Budget

There are numerous caffè and pasticcerie where you can find excellent sandwiches.

Pizza sold by weight is an equally excellent solution for budget dining, as is any caffè displaying a "Primi" card in its window where you'll find pastas and other dishes at low reasonable prices.

A golden rule: the closer you are to the historic old town, the higher the price.

Mid-range

• Trattoria da Garibaldi, Piazza del Mercato Centrale 38r ; Tel 055 21 22 67.
• Birreria Centrale, Piazza Cimatori 1r ; Tel 055 21 19 15.
• Trattoria Baldini, Via della Scala

Great deals, Great Food:

• Trattoria Anita, Via del Parlascio, 2r; Tel 055 218698

"Il Latini" Restaurant - If you are fortunate enough to spend some time in Florence, please make a reservation for dinner at "Il Latini". You will not be disappointed. The cuisine is wonderful, the atmosphere is energetic and the service is great. You actually are seated at a table with other people and that is the fun of the restaurant. The owner visits each table and everyone is in a great mood. It is the combination of all that is mentioned above plus the personalities of the waiters that make it a fun place to eat, visit and enjoy the whole Florentine experience. I can't tell you how many people I have recommended this restaurant to and those people have come back with all positive experiences. The price is right and the experience is priceless. At 7:30 when it opens, you will see a crowd outside the restaurant trying to be first in line - even with reservations! Don't panic. The restaurant is bigger than it looks. The waiters are all eating their dinner and finishing up just before the restaurant opens. Also, you might try and ask the owner if you could see the cellar because that is where there is a small private dining area for wine lovers (group party) and the wine is stored there. I know you won't be disappointed! If you google "Il Latini Restaurant, Florence, Italy" their website will come up. Have fun! Margie Chiechi

Dessert

• Vivoli, Via Isole delle Stinche, 7/R; Tel 055 292 334. Close to Piazza Santa Croce. Widely considered the best gelato in Florence, but has become a little touristy.

Drink

Tap water is safe, but those who prefer bottled water will find it plentiful. Sample the excellent wines of the region.

Mid-range

• Uffizi Museum The bar at this museum offers an amazing view overlooking la Piazza della Signoria, but it's only accessible through the museum, so you'll have to buy a ticket.
• Irish Pub Piazza Santa Maria Novella

Splurge

• Rivoire Piazza della Signoria. Founded in 1872 this terrace facing the Palazzo Vecchio is a Florentine institution.
• Paszkowski or Gilli. Situated on the Piazza Republica, next to the hotel Savoy. Note that the terrasses on the other side of the piazza are equally pricy.

Sleep

As elsewhere the price of hotels in Florence has been climbing quickly in the last few years. The golden rule here is if you want something cheap you'll have to stay outside of the historic center. The area around the train station is cheaper, but not as safe, especially for women travelers at night. If you are looking at big chain hotels you should be aware that they are usually quite a ways out indeed, the Novotel for instance is almost at the airport.

Certain hotels, particularly those oriented toward business travelers offer special reduced rates during the weekend (eg. Starhotel Michelangelo) or during slow weeks like Baglioni. Sometimes you can also get a substantial discount by reserving online. In the train station there is a tourist information office which also offers hotel reservations; you can often get good deals through them at the very last minute, but it's not guaranteed.

Budget

There are quite a number of one or two-star alberghi within a short distance of the station. Young women can find accommodation with certain convents at very low prices, and usually in historic locations. On the other hand, you'll have to forget about any late-night Tuscan crazyness.

Camping

• Camping Michelangelo has a scenic location on the hillside close to Piazza Michelangelo. Usually it is very crowded. It has "house tents" available, which are tents for two people with bunk beds inside.

Hostel

• Hostel Archi Rossi - Via Faenza, 94r. Tel. 055 290804 - Fax. 055.2302601 [3] - Never mind the renaissance-kitch walls. This hostel is close to the SM Novella train station and not far from the city's main attractions. More importantly: rooms are clean and rates include breakfast and round the clock internet access. Rates from € 18 (dorm)

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Bed and Breakfast

• Quartopiano bed and breakfast downtown Florence Via panicale 3, +39 3293149042, [4]

Hotels

Budget

• Andrea Hotel [5] Piazza Indipendenza, 19 - 50129 Florence. Ph. +39.055.483890 - Fax +39.055.461489. In the center of Florence, at 5 minutes from Fortezza da Basso and Palazzo dei Congressi and only a few steps from Santa Maria Novella. Doubles starting from €70.
• Convitto della Calza [6], Piazza Della Calza, 6 | 50125, Ph. +39 055.222287 | Fax +39 055.223912. The Convitto della Calza is located in the center of Florence and, in addition to hotel de charme, combines a 16th-century cloister and frescoed rooms with a modern conference center. Rooms from 60 euros.
• Hotel Balcony, [7] Via dei Banchi 3/r, 50123, Ph:+39 055283133 / 055281742 Fax: +39 055289590, Warm and typically Tuscan hospitality housed in an elegant Florentine palace just a few steps away from the Duomo. Average prices: singles €45, doubles €60, triple 80€.
• Hotel Fiorita, [8] Via Fiume, 20 - Ph. +39.055.283189/055.283693/055.2654376, fax +39.0552728153 (Toll free number from Italy 800.280722), An elegant building in the center of Florence, elegant surroundings and quality services. Rooms have air conditioning, a minibar, direct telephone line, satellite TV and a safety deposit box. Some rooms also have modem sockets. Singles starting from €65.
• Hotel Gioia, [9] Via Cavour, 25, 50129 tel +39 3293149042, Ph. +39-055-2398997, Hotel Gioia is located in Via Cavour, of the historic streets of Florence's old town center, just a stone's throw from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Doubles from €65
• Hotel Accademia, [10] Via Faenza 7, 50123 tel +39 055.293451, Ph. +39 055.219771, Hotel Accademia Elegance and sophistication just a short walk from the prettiest, most interesting places in Florence. Single Rooms from 50€, Doubles from €65.

Mid-range

• Calzaiuoli Hotel Florence, via Calzaiuoli 6, +39 055 212 456, [11]. €99-€230 (double).
• Florence Hotel Sempione, via Nazionale 15, +39 055 21 24 62. [12] is located in the historical centre of Florence, just 100 meters far from Santa Maria Novella train station, the Congress Palace, Fortezza da Basso (main exhibitions center) and just a few steps from the cathedral and the most important Florentine museums and churches.
• Galileo Hotel, Via Nazionale, 22/a, Ph.: +39 055.496645 - Fax: +39 055.496447 [13]. An elegant nineteenth-century building furnished with style in the best of Tuscan tradition, in the heart of Florence. Average prices: single rooms €80, doubles €120, superiors €150.
• Hotel Carolus, [14]. Via XXVII Aprile, 3 - 50129 Florence - Ph.(0039) 055 2645539 - Fax.(0039) 055 2645550 - e-mail: info@carolushotel.com The Carolus Hotel, in Florence, is situated in a beautiful neo-classical palazzo built, between the Dominican convent of San Marco and the Fortezza da Basso, near the Orti di Barbano. A recent major renovation has provided the Carolus Hotel with every modern comfort to satisfy the requirements of its guests. The Carolus Hotel, located in the historic city centre of Florence, close to the Accademia and the Duomo, provides magnificent hospitality for leisure tourists. But also who comes to Florence on business will find the Carolus Hotel as ideal base, conveniently close to the Palazzo dei Congressi, the railway station Florence Santa Maria Novella, and the ring-road giving access to the motorways and the airport. The hotel rooms overlook some of the most celebrated and best-loved churches and monuments of Florence and the Hills of Fiesole.
• Hotel Corona d'Italia, Via Nazionale 14, Ph.: +39-055 261 501 - Fax: +39-055 288 639 [15]. In the heart of Florence's San Lorenzo district, the hotel is very convenient to the Santa Maria Novella train station. Average prices: single rooms €90, doubles €100, triples €140, quadruples €160.
• Hotel Machiavelli Palace, via Nazionale 10v, +39 055 214 106, [16]. Three-stared hotel. €160 (Single in June).
• Hotel Crocini, Corso Italia 28 - Ph: +39.055.212905 - Fax: +39.055.210171 [17]. In the center of Florence, just steps from the Theater for Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Hotel Crocini welcomes you with a typically Tuscan spirit. Average prices: Twin (without private bathroom)40€, Triple (without private bathroom)50€, Single (with private bathroom)40€, Twin (with private bathroom)50€, Triple (with private bathroom)60€
• Hotel Il Granduca , Via P. Capponi, 13 - Ph. +39.055.572803 - Fax +39.055.579252 [18]. A cozy and comfortable residence. Il Granduca is the ideal choice for those who want to spend a memorable stay in Florence. Average prices: single rooms €49-€99, doubles €69-€139, triples €86-€170, quadruples €103-€200.
• Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco, Via Cavour 29, 50129 Florence - Ph: +39.055.288330 - Fax: +39.055.295203[19]. Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco, on historic Via Cavour, in the centre of Florence, where past and present blend in comfort. It is in the heart of the city, near the most famous tourist sites and monuments: in 5 minutes by foot you can easily reach Piazza San Giovanni, the Duomo and the baptistery, the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the San Marco Museum and much more. To get to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery, takes around ten minutes on foot. Prices starting from: Single 105,00 € - Double 130,00 € - Apartments 270 €
• Hotel La Gioconda, Via Panzani 2, 50123, Florence - Ph. +39-055.211023 - Fax +39-055.213136 [20] This 3 star hotel is located in the historic heart of Florence, only a few steps from Santa Maria Novella, at 3 minutes from elegant Via Tornabuoni. Doubles from €85
• Hotel La Residenza, Via Tornabuoni, 8 50123 Florence - Ph: +39 055 218684 - Fax: +39 055 284197[21]. Overlooking the prestigious via Tornabuoni, the Hotel La Residenza hosts travelers in a historical and classically Florentine setting, enhanced with facilities of the highest quality. The luxury of its roof garden with a charming view, makes the Residenza one of the most fascinating hotels in the heart of Florence. Prices: Single from 78,00 € - Double from 110,00 € - Triple from 145,00 €
• Hotel La Selva, Via di Barberino, 221 - Florence Calenzano - Ph: +39 055. 8876824 - Fax: +39 055. 8876806 [22]. Located on the Tuscany hills, Hotel La Selva distinguishes itself as one of the 3-star hotels in Florence that have opted to incorporate during its remodeling the principles of bioarchitecture. Average prices: Single 40,00 € - Double 55,00 €
• Hotel Malaspina, Piazza Indipendenza, 24 - Florence - Ph: +39 055 489869 - Fax: +39 055 474809[23]. Hotel Malaspina, a charming late 19th century residence, enriched with modern comforts for the most pleasant stay possible in Florence. It is close to Fortezza da Basso (5 minute walk), the most important trade show center of the city, Palazzo dei Congressi and Palazzo degli Affari. To get to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery, takes around ten minutes on foot. Average prices: Single 90,00 € - Double 110,00 €
• Hotel Mario's, Via Faenza 89, Ph. +39 055 216.801 Fax +39 055 212.039 [24]. Romantic hotel in the heart of Florence, Hotel Mario's welcomes you in an ambiance of noble Florentine tradition. The hotel is the ideal place from which to comfortably discover on foot the city, the traditional tourist spots and even the less frequented places that are nonetheless just as charming, as well as the famous historical and artistic landmarks, the museums and suggestive areas that have made Florence famous the world over. Average prices: Single 67,00 € - Double 82,00 €
• Hotel Mia Cara, Via Faenza, 90 (red) 50100 Florence - Ph: +39.055.216053 - Fax: +39.055.2302727[25]. The Hotel Mia Cara is a small-scale, simple yet elegant hotel in the center of Florence situated just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo. Prices: Single from 35,00 € - Double from 50,00 € - Triple from 75,00 € - Quadruple from 80,00 €
• Hotel Monica , Via Faenza 66 - Ph: +39 055.283804 - Fax: +39 055.281706 [26]. Elegance and sophistication just a short walk from Fortezza da Basso and from the Santa Maria Novella Station. The Hotel Monica is the ideal solution for a holiday concentrated on art and culture or for a business trip, thanks to the fact that it is close to the Fortezza da Basso, the enormous international conference center.
• Hotel Porta Rossa, Via Porta Rossa, 19, [27]. The oldest hotel in Firenze and located in the center. €125 (single in June).
• Hotel Silla, Via De' Renai 5, 50100, Ph. +39 055.2342888 Fax +39 055.2341437, [28]. The Hotel Silla unites an enviable location in the heart of Florence on the shores of the Arno River with the guarantee of high quality service.
• Farm "La Valle", Via Sanminiatese - Loc. La Valle, 50050 Montaione - FI - ITALY. Ph/Fax (+39) 0571-698059 / (+39) 339-1686149. Accomodations Tuscany A couple of tipical Tuscany Residence. All informations about in its website.

Splurge

• Albergotto, [29]- Via dé Tornabuoni,13 - 50123 Firenze - ITALIA Tel.: +39 055 2396464 Fax: +39 055 2398108 - info@albergotto.com. The ALBERGOTTO Hotel is situated in the heart of Florence, on the elegant via de' Tornabuoni. Its windows overlook the marvellous Palazzo Strozzi.Recently the ALBERGOTTO hotel has been carefully restructured and restored. Guests will find rooms equipped with every modern comfort, elegantly furnished with antique furniture each one different from all the others, quiet and with delightful views. The hotel is within easy walking-distance from historical buildings, churches, museums, shops and boutiques for which Florence is world-famous.
• Starhotel Michelangelo. Via Fratelli Rosdccsselli 2, +39 055 2 784
• Savoy, Piazza della Republica 7, +39 055 27 351
• Brunelleschi, Piazza S. Elisabetta 3 ; +39 055 27 370
• Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo, Via dei Servi 2, +39 055 282 412, [30]
• Hotel Mirage , Via Francesco Baracca, 231 (interno 18) - Ph. +39 055 352011 - Fax +39 055 374096 [31]. An elegant, exclusive and comfortable four star hotel a few minutes from the center. Single rooms from €110, doubles from €140 and triples from €160; apartments from €300 per week.
• Grand Hotel Baglioni , Piazza Unità Italiana 6, 50123 Florence, Ph: +39.055.23580, Fax: +39.055.23588895 [32]. All of the glamour of tradition and comforts of modernity in a setting which has become a legend. Single rooms from €186, doubles from €258.
• Relais Piazza Signoria, Via Vacchereccia, 3 50122 Florence, Ph: +39.055.3987239, Fax: +39.055.286306[33]. Relais Piazza Signoria Florence is the perfect solution to experience the historic center of the city to the fullest and to admire its cultural and artistic treasures. Apartments are available in a variety of types that meet the needs of singles, families, as well as those of business travelers.
• Relais Santa Croce, Via Ghibellina, 87 50122, Ph: +39 055.2342230, Fax: +39 055.2341195[34]. An age-old noble palace with luxury and refinement in the heart of Florence, between Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo. Relais Santa Croce has two large meeting rooms capable of hosting up to 70 people each and offers all the necessary equipment, from video-conferencing to overhead projectors for multimedia presentations and a hostess and interpretation service.
• Hotel Marignolle, Via di San Quirichino a Marignolle 16, 50124, Florence Tel. +39 055 2286910 Fax +39 055 2047396, [35]. The relais is surrounded by the typical scenery of the Florentine hills, with cypresses and cane-apple trees, broom bushes and pine trees, amongst the scents of lavender, rosemary, time and catmint. A lovely pool with a large solarium, presenting deck chairs and sunning beds, is at guests’ disposal from May to October. Double rooms from 165€
• Villa Olmi Resort, Via degli Olmi 4/8, 50012, Ph: +39 055 637710, Fax: +39 055 63771600[36]. In Bagno di Ripoli, a very short distance from the heart of Florence, an age-old country estate; Villa Olmi Resort is an exclusive example of good living offering rare comforts, innovative services, gourmet restaurant, wine bar...

Contact

Since there are a large number of tourists around, the center of Florence is brimming with webcafés and telephone call centers. Most evenings there are long lines for access to the phone-booths.

You can also buy a pre-paid card which will give you a steep discount on international calls by dialing a special number.

Stay safe

Florence is generally safe, but take precautions against the opportunistic thieves common to major tourist attractions - pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Stay healthy

Beware of Stendhal syndrome, namely, dizziness caused by being overwhelmed by Florence's fantastic art. Yes, it's a real syndrome, named after 19th-century French author Stendhal, who suffered from it during his stay in Florence. If you get overwhelmed, rest your eyes and legs, get some food (remember gelato?), and save the rest of Florence for tomorrow.

Get out

Florence is a great starting point and base for a tour of Tuscany. Attractive day trips include Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Fiesole and Siena, and of course the wine zone of Chianti. Greve in Chianti is the market town of the Chianti zone and it is in the hills surrounding Greve that you can rent a B&B room or a small apartment on a working vineyard for less than a hotel in Florence. The SITA Pullman buses take you to Greve and Panzano in about an hour. From then on you see few cars and many cypress and olive trees.

If you are to visit one place in Florence, it has to be the Piazzale Michelangelo. It offers an amazing view of the city. There is a lovely walking trail and even a large church, San Miniato, at the top of the mountain. It is a MUST SEE!!!

Fiesole is located in the hills above Florence, only a short bus ride away from the center. It offers a beautiful view of the sunset, and a small museum located on ancient Roman and Etruscan ruins of a temple and an ampitheater.

World War II Florence American Cemetery and Memorial[37]: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Florence on the west side of Via Cassia. The Rome-Milan highway passes near the cemetery. Open daily except for December 25 and January 1; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cemetery is the final resting place for 4,402 American military dead lost during after the capture of Rome and the battle for the Apennines. A monument is inscribed with the names of 1,409 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. The atrium of the chapel contains marble maps of World War II Italy campaign. Free.

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