LANGUAGE

Italian

CURRENCY

Euro

BEST TIME TO VISIT

April to October

NEAREST RAILWAY STATION

Stazione di Santa Maria Novella

NEAREST AIRPORT

Amerigo Vespucci or Peretola airport (FLR)

EMERGENCY HELPLINE NUMBER

112

INTERNET ACCESS

Internet access is widespread. Hotels, pensione and B&Bs in the city offer free wi-fi, as do some restaurants, cafes and bars. In older buildings – namely thick stone-walled, 15th-century palazzo – the Internet connection might not be the greatest in some top-floor rooms or corners tucked well away from the router. Firenze Card Cardholders get automatic free access to the city’s Firenze Wifi network for 72 hours; otherwise, it’s limited to an hour a day on major squares like Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica.

VISA

Not needed for residents of Schengen countries or for many visitors staying for less than 90 days.

European citizens of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area can enter Italy with nothing more than a valid identity card or passport. British nationals only need a passport. Residents of 28 non-EU countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the USA, do not require visas for tourist visits of up to 90 days.

All non-EU and non-Schengen nationals entering Italy for more than 90 days, or for any reason other than tourism (such as study or work), may need a specific visa. For details, visit www.esteri.it or contact an Italian consulate.

EU citizens do not require any permits to live or work in Italy but, after three months’ residence, are supposed to register themselves at the municipal registry office where they live and offer proof of work or sufficient funds to support themselves.

Non-EU foreign citizens with five years’ continuous legal residence may apply for permanent residence.

You should have your passport stamped on entry as, without a stamp, you could encounter problems if trying to obtain a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). If you enter the EU via another member state, get your passport stamped there.

Permesso di Soggiorno

Non-EU citizens planning to stay at the same address for more than one week are supposed to report to the police station to receive a permesso di soggiorno. Tourists staying in hotels are not required to do this. A permesso di soggiorno only really becomes a necessity if you plan to study, work (legally) or live in Italy. Obtaining one is never a pleasant experience; it often involves long queues and the frustration of arriving at the counter only to find you don’t have the necessary documents.

The exact requirements, such as specific documents and marche da bollo (official stamps), can change. In general, you will need a valid passport (if possible containing a stamp with your date of entry into Italy), a special visa issued in your own country if you are planning to study (for non-EU citizens), four passport photos and proof of your ability to support yourself financially. You can apply at the ufficio stranieri (foreigners’ bureau) of the police station closest to where you’re staying.

EU citizens do not require a permesso di soggiorno.

HOTEL

From the UNESCO-acclaimed complex of the cathedral, baptistery, and Giotto’s Campanile to the museums and gardens of the Pitti Palace, on the opposite side of the Arno River, Florence’s main attractions lie within easy walking distance. And surprisingly, there are plenty of places to stay in the centro storico (historic center).

LUXURY

Hotel Brunelleschi

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

MID-RANGE

Hotel Spadai

Hotel Davanzati

BUDGET

Hotel Casci

Hotel Santa Croce

Hotel Europa

COST OF LIVING

Fortunately, Florence isn’t quite as expensive as Rome or Venice, though hotels with central locations can be pricey here as well, especially during summer. There are quite a few hostels in Florence as well, and private rooms in some of those are good alternatives for budget travelers.

The main attractions are reasonably priced, though especially for the Uffizi it’s advised to book online in advance for an extra fee to be sure you’ll actually get in. Budget travelers should have a look at our Florence cheap travel tips on how to get the most out of your visit while spending the least.

Food and drinks run the gamut in prices, with quite a few budget options available, though most of the classic Tuscan cooking does get expensive in the touristy places. Florence is also a great base for a visit to Cinque Terre, which doesn’t have to be expensive. See our article on when to visit Italy for information on seasons and crowds.

Hotels in Florence tend to be busy all year long, though the official high season is from April through September, and things peak out in July and August. The better located and popular places do book up early in summer, so book ahead. During the off season you can get some good bargains at some of the fancy places, unless there is something special going on in the city.