Florence
Compact Renaissance city for art lovers, with easy Tuscan day trips by train. Summer crowds, heat and tourist pricing near the Duomo are the main trade-offs; the center is flat and walkable.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,480–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,200–3,200Details
- Value for money20/100Better value than 19% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 33°CDetails
- Air quality12 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; public fountains and Publiacqua water points allow free refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$90–146Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting arounditTaxiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Florence
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Santa Croce | Lively evenings, students, markets, central but local |
| Oltrarno (San Frediano) | Artisans, cafés, quieter and more local |
| Santa Maria Novella | Train station, easy for day trips, budget hotels |
| Sant'Ambrogio | Local market, cafés and a calm residential feel |
Apps that work in Florence
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| itTaxi | Books licensed taxis from phone; pay by card in the app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: Only licensed white taxis operate; Uber works rarely here. Order by phone or app, as street hailing is uncommon.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere. Carry small cash for markets, small bars and some trattorie.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
Going to Florence solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.