{"id":2225,"date":"2019-09-16T20:20:24","date_gmt":"2019-09-17T01:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justwing.it\/?page_id=2225"},"modified":"2022-10-30T05:51:26","modified_gmt":"2022-10-30T10:51:26","slug":"florence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/justwing.it\/italy\/florence\/","title":{"rendered":"Florence"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The Florence airport is not very large and does not have any direct flights from the US. However, you can connect in one of the major European cities fairly easily and then fly directly into Florence, or fly to Pisa (about 1 hour away by bus). Pisa serves many of the budget airlines providing cheaper flying options. You can also fly into Rome or Milan and take a train from the larger cities to Florence.<\/p>\n
It is about a 20 euro flat fare to airport from city center and vice versa (slight fluctuation with very early hours or very late hours and luggage). There is also a bus that travels between the Santa Maria Novella train station and the Florence airport.<\/p>\n
Overall, the Florence airport is small and does not offer that many flights. The setup of the runways in the valley also can often lead to delays based on wind patterns. Regardless, it is still worth checking the flight availability when traveling in and out of Florence.<\/p>\n
You can easily get to the Pisa airport by taking a bus from the Santa Maria Novella train station. There are two main companies with bus services, Terravision<\/strong> being one of them. Buses tend to run every 30 minutes to 1 hour and schedules can be accessed online for exact times. It takes about an hour by bus to reach the Pisa airport; it costs 5 euros each way if you buy ahead of time and only slightly more if you buy at the bus stop. There is also a train option, but the bus is cheap, easy and efficient.<\/p>\n Pisa provides additional flight options and also offers more budget flights as budget airlines like Ryanair fly in and out of Pisa rather than the Florence airport. Note that when flying Ryanair, allow time to get your Visa or documents checked (if you do not have an EU passport).<\/p>\n Rome has two airpots and offers many more flight options than Florence. If choosing to fly out of Rome, make sure to account for travel time from Florence to Rome by train. When booking travel, be careful to check which airport you are traveling from in Rome so you catch the correct transportation from the train station to the airport.<\/p>\n Similar to Rome, Milan also has more flight options and can be accessed from Florence by train. The fastest train between Florence and Milan is about 2 hours.<\/p>\n There is a train to Bologna from Florence taking about 30 – 40 minutes, offering another airport option.<\/p>\n Traveling within Italy can be very easy by train. TrenItalia<\/em> is a commonly used company and provides routes all throughout the country including routes to Venice, Milan, Rome, Viareggio, Pisa, Bologna, Naples and more. For the longer journeys, consider booking tickets in advance as a seat will be assigned to you. To gage prices, the round trip to Venice cost about 69 euros.<\/p>\n Think twice before renting a car in Italy. The roads are misleading and often very narrow with parking being an additional challenge. Many of the cities have zones where only residents or businesses with operations within the city limits are permitted to drive. These areas can seem poorly marked and you may only learn after the fact that you drove through one once you receive a ticket to pay.<\/p>\n Florence is a smaller city that can be largely accessed on foot. Taxis are around if you have a longer distance to travel or you can use the public bus system. However, after living in Florence for 4 months, I never needed to use the buses. Note that the streets in Florence are all cobblestone and sidewalks are narrow. Since the roads are mainly one-way, biking here can be a challenge.<\/p>\n Stay within 10 minute walk of the Piazza del Duomo or Santa Croce. Since most attractions within Florence are within walking distance, staying near either of these central locations will put you in the heart of Florence and make it easy to explore the city.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2285″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2238″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2284″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2281″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”4960″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2245″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2255″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2259″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2277″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”4949″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2525″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”4955″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”2540″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”4978″ img_size=”large” qode_css_animation=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The main square in Florence with a magnificent church. This is the most famous square in Florence and visitors can climb to the top of the Duomo for a view and \/ or to the top of the tower. Consider making the climb early in the morning to avoid a long wait. It was a 3 hour ordeal for us between waiting in line, visiting the cathedral, and climbing to the top of the Duomo. As you reach the top of the Duomo, the walls come inward and the space gets tight. At the top you can walk around outside for a panoramic view over the city. Alternatively, if you choose to climb the tower, you will get a view of the top of the Duomo itself.<\/p>\n The cathedral is very strict on dress code so women must wear a dress that reaches the top of their knees and have their shoulders covered (bring a sweater\/cardigan to put on because even in a short sleeve dress, some people may be forced to purchase a shawl to enter which are being sold on the streets). Note: be careful of street vendors because some are selling to you illegally and YOU can be fined for purchasing from them if caught by the police).<\/p>\n My favorite church in Florence with a beautiful white exterior. Santa Croce is minutes from the river and also not far from Piazza del Duomo. The inside of the church is very nice, with the front of the church being decorated with beautiful colors.<\/p>\n Florence is located in the Tuscany region, known greatly for its wine. Be sure to venture outside the city limits and explore the Tuscany countryside. There are a lot of Chianti vineyards located close to Florence making for an easy day trip. Alternatively, spend a night in a smaller Tuscan town such as Siena, San Gimignano, or Montalcino (famous for Brunello) and visit vineyards in the area.<\/p>\n Take a stroll through the city and bring a bottle of wine to just sit in a Piazza and enjoy the city around you. There are no open container laws in Italy so you can sit outside in public areas and enjoy your drinks.<\/p>\n The most spectacular view of Florence located on the opposite side of the Arno from most of Florence’s attractions. Piazza Michelangelo is located up on a hill, but only takes about 10-15 minutes to climb. It is well worth the view and many people come up to watch the sunset with a snack and a bottle of wine.<\/p>\n The most visited museum in Florence with tons of artwork.<\/p>\n Another famous museum in Florence where the David is by Michelangelo! This museum is much smaller, but a must see. Try purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.<\/p>\n Gardens and palace located on the other side of the Arno river from most of Florence’s attractions. Try to visit during warmer weather seasons when the flowers are alive to enjoy the gardens. The ticket we bought was 10 euros and provided admission to the part of the palace where there was a costume gallery and then the opportunity to walk through the gardens. There was a nice view of the back country at the top of the gardens.<\/p>\n Attend a soccer game while in Florence. Like many stadiums, it is located on the outskirts of the city but makes for a fun night.<\/p>\n Common tradition in Italy where restaurants guests can help themselves to an appetizer bar with a drink purchase<\/p>\n These can be simple and short to very long and complex. As Italy is known for its food, look into taking some form of cooking class to learn from the best.<\/p>\n This museum is very nice with many rooms and amazing art on the walls and ceilings. Visitors can also climb the tour, which I found to be the highlight as there is a very nice view from the tower of the Duomo.<\/p>\n Beautiful church located near the train station<\/p>\n Another church in Florence, located more on the outskirts and away from the main tourist areas. It was created during the Renaissance time period contrasting with Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, and Santa Croce which are all Gothic style churches.<\/p>\n When I lived in Florence, there was a Gelato festival that went all around Italy and ended in Florence. It was held in the Piazza Michelangelo and it was essentially just a truck with 20 different, very unique flavors. You had the opportunity to try any flavor you want and got 5 servings of gelato. Then you voted for the best flavor and got one final gelato. It allows you to try some unique flavors!<\/p>\n It costs 7 euros to go in the Gucci Museum (interesting but not necessary). The museum is connected to a cafe with a very unique hot chocolate, almost resembling liquid chocolate.<\/p>\n Renaissance Palace and museum<\/p>\n This is Florence\u2019s 3rd<\/sup> most visited museum. It has a lot of sculptures as well as other art<\/p>\n Church and chapels making up the complex of San Lorenzo<\/p>\n Another church in Florence found up my Piazzale Michelangelo<\/p>\n Church in Florence<\/p>\n Located behind Santa Croce; it can be hard to find, but is where you can see the leather workshop and check out the store for some prime leather goods.<\/p>\n Very big indoor market with many food options<\/p>\n More of a locals market open everyday but Sunday from around 8 to 1 or 2 in the afternoon<\/p>\n Leather goods can be found all around Florence. Check out Massimo\u2019s Leather located close to el Mercado Centrale. Massimo is friendly, has high quality products and speaks fluent English. He sells nice bags, wallets, jackets, belts and more. Avoid buying leather products from the shops on the street when you first arrive as you will notice some of these shops are not high quality and may be overpriced.<\/p>\n Purchase one-way or roundtrip train tickets at the train station in Florence to visit Pisa for a day. Trains to and from Pisa run multiple times an hour at different speeds. Try to catch one that is only an hour or slightly longer to take the most efficient trip. You can purchase your return ticket at the station in Pisa or in Florence and tickets cost about 10 euro each way.<\/p>\n You do not need much time in the city. The Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery are all in one area and takes about 20 minutes to walk to the area form the train station. You can climb the Tower or go in the other buildings (costs about 18 euros).<\/p>\n It is a cute little town with a beautiful view of Florence from the other side. There are also some hiking trails up here.<\/p>\nTraveling via Rome<\/h5>\n
Rome (CIA) – smaller airport:<\/h6>\n
\n
Traveling via Milan<\/h5>\n
Traveling via Bologna<\/h5>\n
Train<\/h5>\n
Car<\/h5>\n
Getting Around<\/h4>\n
Accommodations<\/h4>\n
Borghese Palace Art Hotel<\/h6>\n
Things to do and see<\/h3>\n
Piazza del Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)<\/h5>\n
Santa Croce<\/h5>\n
Wine Tour<\/h5>\n
Wine in a Piazza<\/h5>\n
Piazzale Michelangelo<\/h5>\n
Uffizi Gallery<\/h5>\n
Galleria dell\u2019Accademia<\/h5>\n
Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace<\/h5>\n
Fiorentina Soccer Game<\/h5>\n
Apertivos<\/h5>\n
Cooking Class<\/h5>\n
Palazzo Vecchio<\/h5>\n
Santa Maria Novella<\/h5>\n
Santo Spirito<\/h5>\n
Gelato Festival<\/h5>\n
Gucci Museum and Cafe<\/h5>\n
Medici Ricardi Palace<\/h5>\n
Bargello Museum<\/h5>\n
Basilica di San Lorenzo and Medici Chapels<\/h5>\n
San Miniato al Monte<\/h5>\n
Orsanmichele<\/h5>\n
Leather School<\/h5>\n
Mercato Centrale<\/h5>\n
Sant\u2019Ambrogio Market<\/h5>\n
Massimo’s Leather<\/h5>\n
Florence Day Trips<\/h5>\n
Pisa<\/h6>\n
Fiesole<\/h6>\n