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Destination:

Florence


Basics

topWhen to Go

The best time to visit Florence is in the spring or fall, when visitors can expect warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers do get crowded, and can be hot with July the hottest month. Many Italians go on vacation in August, so while most attractions remain open, many restaurants and shops are closed. Winters can be cold and damp, but there are often a good number of crisp and sunny days. Visiting the city this time of year without the crowds can be pleasant.

topWeather & Climate

The climate in Florence can be extreme at times. The city is situated in a bowl surrounded by hills, which tends to increase humidity.

Florence, Italy
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temperature °F 49 53 60 68 75 84 89 88 81 69 58 50
°C 9 11 15 20 23 28 31 31 27 20 14 10
Average Low Temperature °F 35 36 40 46 53 58 63 62 58 51 42 37
°C 1 2 4 7 11 14 17 16 14 10 5 2
Average Precipitation in 1.9 2.1 2.7 2.9 3 2.7 1.5 1.9 3.3 4 3.9 2.8
cm 4 5 6 7 7 6 3 4 8 10 9 7

topTime Difference

Italy is on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST). From March to September, clocks go forward an hour for "summer time."

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required to enter Italy. Citizens of Commonwealth countries and the United States do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

topMoney Matters

Currency

Italy’s currency is the Euro. Notes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200 denominations. Coins come in €1, €2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 2c and 1cent pieces.

Banks and Exchange Services

For best rates, change money at a bank or an American Express office. For latest rates go to Currency Converter.

Tipping

Italians do not tip heavily. Service is often included in your restaurant and hotel bill, although a little extra is appreciated if the service has been good.

General guide:
Pizzerias/trattorias – round up to the nearest euro
Smart restaurants – 10%
Taxis – round up to the nearest 50c
Porters – 50c to €1 per bag
Chambermaids – 50c to €1 per day
Cloakroom attendants – 50c
Toilets – 25c

topPersonal Security

Pickpockets are a common problem in many European cities. In Tuscany, Florence and Pisa have the highest incidents of this petty theft. With a few simple precautions, you should be fine. Take extra care in crowded areas, popular tourist spots, and on buses. Leave valuables and important documents in the hotel safe. Carry minimum amount of money necessary for the day. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

topPhone

Dialing Codes

Country code for Italy is 39, city code for Florence is 055
When calling from US or Canada, dial 011 + 39 + 055 + number
To call from Florence abroad, dial 00 + country code + city code + number

Information & Emergency Numbers

112 Police
113 Emergency
116 Car breakdown
118 Ambulance
12 Directory Assistance
176 International Directory Assistance
170 International Operator

US Embassy

+39 055 266 951

Tourist Information

+39 055 290 832

Mobile Phones

Florence's mobile phones use a 900 or 1800 GXM system. Check with your service provider before leaving home to see if yours will work in Italy. If it doesn't, you might want to buy or rent a temporary mobile phone for your trip.

topElectrical

Electricity is 240V 50Hz throughout Italy. Plugs have two round pins (sometimes three), so buy an adaptor before leaving home.

topCustoms

Italians are very family oriented. They love having children around so you can be sure yours will be welcome wherever they go.

A few phrases, regardless of pronunciation, will keep you in good step with the locals. On meeting people or entering stores or restaurants, us a simple buon giorno (good day) or buono sera (good afternoon or evening).

Please is per favore, thank you grazie, and prego means you're welcome. Before a meal, say buon appetito (eat well), to which the reply is grazie, altrettanto, (thank you, and the same to you). Before a drink, the toast is salute (good health). Say permesso when you wish to pass, and mi scusi if you wish to apologize.

Kissing on both cheeks is a greeting common for men and women when you know them well.

Dress appropriately in churches and do not enter churches when services are in progress.

Italians particularly in cities are very fashion oriented. They tend to dress well-casual chic.