Customer regulations
Telephone 0039 055 06 49711 for information.

Average temperatures (In Celsius & Fahrenheit)

When to go
The main tourist season runs from April to mid-October. The best months for persons wishing to avoid crowds are fall and spring. April, May, June, September, and October, are generally pleasant and not too hot. The hottest months are July and August, when brief afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winters are relatively mild but always include some periods of rain. Tourists crowd Florence at Easter, when Italians flock to resorts and to the countryside. From March through May, busloads of eager schoolchildren on excursion travel to Florence . It is possible that in August, some stores and restaurant owners close for a vacation, especially around Ferragosto, the August 15 national holiday. It is true of course, that with residents who away on vacation, it is less crowed.

Packing
The weather is considerably mild in Florence. In summer, take some clothing that is as light as possible, although a sweater may be necessary in the evening. Brief summer afternoon thunderstorms are common, so carry an umbrella. During the winter bring heavy clothes, gloves, hats, and boots. Take wools or flannel rather than sheer fabrics. Bring sturdy shoes for winter, and comfortable walking shoes in any season.

Dress codes
Italians dress neatly and dress well. They do not usually wear shorts in the city. Men aren't required to wear ties or jackets anywhere, except in some of the more exclusive hotel dining rooms and top-level restaurants, but are expected to look reasonably attired. Formal wear is the exception rather than the rule at the opera, though people in expensive seats usually do get dressed up. Dress codes are strict for visits to churches. Women must cover bare shoulders, but no longer need to cover their heads. Shorts are not acceptable church attire for men or women.

Luggage Storage/Lockers
Travellers can leave bags at Santa Maria Novella train station for a fee per bag for each 12-hour period; deposit payable up front. Hours: 6am to midnight. Rates:

•  € 3.80 for the first 5 hours
•  €0,60 for each additional hour from the 6th-12th
•  €0,20 for each additional hour from 12th and on

Phone: 055/2352190

National and local holidays:
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
Jan. 6 - Epiphany
Good Friday and Easter Monday dates vary each year - Mar. or April
April 25 - (Liberation Day);
1st Mon. of May - Labor Day
Many businesses and shops in Florence may be closed on June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the city's patron saint.
June 29 - SS. Peter and Paul's Day
August 15 - Feast of the Assumption; also known as Ferragosto
November 1 - All Saints' Day
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - St. Stephen's Day, Boxing Day

Newspapers & magazines:
International newspapers can be purchased at almost any newsstand. International magazines are available at the larger kiosks. There's a 24-hour newsstand in the train station.

Population:
Approximately 380,000.
Visitors: over 3 million annually.

Transport:
By flight
Florence is served by two airports: Amerigo Vespucci is a few miles northwest of the city centre, and Galileo Galilei (for more international flights) in Pisa is about 46mi west of the city. Galilei has regular connections to London, Paris, Munich and major Italian cities.
Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci
Via del Termine, 11 - 055. 373.498
www.safnet.it
Aeroporto Galileo Galilei
Pisa 050-500707
www.pisa-airport.com
A city bus runs every 20 minutes from the main train station to Amerigo Vespucci airport. There is also a frequent train service between the main station and Galileo Galilei airport.

By Train
Trains from all over Italy arrive and depart from Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station. The pendolino (rapid intercity trains) uses Florence's Rifredi Station. There are many passes that can be purchased to effect great savings on rail travel. Always buy a ticket before you board the train, as there is a surcharge for purchasing on the train. Telephone reservations are not accepted, but many trains require advance booking. There are often long lines at the ticket window. The solution is to have the reservation booked by a travel agent. Tickets for local rail travel can be purchased at news stands. Italy's State Railway (FS) has a train for every type of journey. Florence is connected by train to Rome, Milan, Venice, Trieste, Verona, Bologna and Pisa.

By Bus
There are two bus stations in Florence. For international services, which go all over Europe, you need the Lazzi station - buses to Rome also go from this station. For domestic services to Siena, Arezzo, Castellina and all over Tuscany, go to the SITA station. Buses (autobus) are useful only to reach outlying destinations or to get to your hotel with luggage. Florence is a city where you can easily do everything by foot, and many first-timers coming from Rome or Milan misjudge distances and hop on a bus only to find themselves in the suburbs or hills within minutes.
The train station is the city's bus hub, and many buses pass through Piazza San Marco as well, but the pedestrian zone historic centre isn't well serviced, though the new electric minibuses A, B, C, and D do go into it. A single ticket is good for 60 minutes. There are also a 3-hour ticket, a 24-hour ticket, and a 3-day pass. You can ride unlimited buses within the time limits: just stamp one end in the orange box on the first bus you board. Tickets are available at newsstands and tabacchi (tobacconists shops), marked by a white "T".
Ask the tourist office for a bus map. Regular buses run daily between 5:30am until 9pm. Night buses are number 67, 68, and 71 running from 9pm to 1am. Bus number 70 runs from 12:30 to 6am from the main train station through the centre to the suburban Campo di Marte station, where some express and night trains stop. For more information, contact the ATAF at Piazza della Stazione and Piazza del Duomo 57 055--565-0222; www.comune.firenze.it/ataf

By Bicycle
Though traffic can be heavy on the narrow streets, Florence is mainly flat and not bad for biking. For more information, please have a look here at chapter “the experienced traveller” in our travel guide.

By Car
Trying to drive in the centro storico (downtown centre) is a frustrating, useless exercise. Florence is a maze of one-way streets and pedestrian zones, and it takes experience to know which laws to break in order to get where you need to go. You need a permit to do anything beyond dropping off and picking up bags at your hotel. Again, Florence is a walking town, so park your vehicle in one of the huge underground lots on the centre’s periphery and avoid parking alongside a pavement. If you're travelling by car, you can take the A1 to Bologna and Milan in the north or Rome and Naples in the south.

By Motorcycle & Moped:
Motorini mopeds are the Italian way to get around and can be especially useful for exploring the hills. For more information, please have a look here at chapter “the experienced traveller” in our travel guide.

By Taxi:
Taxis in Florence aren't cheap, and with the city so small and the one-way system forcing drivers to take convoluted routes, they aren't an economical way to get about town. Taxis are most useful to get you and your bags between the train station and your hotel in the centro storico. There are plenty of taxis waiting outside the train station; but if not you will have to call for one at 4242, 4798, or 4390.

Time zone:
Greenwich Mean Time plus one hour: (plus two hours in summer).
Time in Florence is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in New York and 7 hours ahead of central time in Chicago.

Ethnic mix
Predominantly Italian, but with 31.8% Chinese, 11.4% North African, 8.3% Middle Eastern and 8.2% South American.

Religion
98% Catholic, 2% other.

Passports & visas:
You will only need a valid passport (even visitors from the U.S. and Canada ) to enter Italy for stays of up to 90 days. A Visa is not required.

Telephone country & city codes:
The country code for Italy is 39. What used to be Florence 's city code of 055- is now an integral part of every phone number. You must always dial it--including the initial zero--even when calling to another number from within Florence itself. Additional numbers are expected to be issued in Florence that start with numerals other than 055-.

Long distance:
It is best to make such long-distance calls from Telefoni offices, where operators will assign you a booth, help you place your call, and collect payment when you have finished, at no extra charge. Telefoni offices are designated "Telecom." You can make collect calls from any phone by dialling 172-1011, which connects to an English-speaking operator. Rates to call are lowest round the clock on Sunday and at 11 PM-8 AM, Italian time, on weekdays.

Operators & information:
For general information in English, dial 176. To place calls from one European country to another via operator-assisted service, dial 15. To place intercontinental telephone calls via operator-assisted service (or for intercontinental information), dial 170 or long-distance access numbers. When calling from the United States , dial the international access code, 011, then the country code, the "city code," and the rest of the number.

Internet Access
Public access to the Internet is easy to find in some of our apartments, but also within terminals appearing in cyber cafés, shopping centres throughout the centre of Florence.

Currency:
Currency in Florence is the Euro (EUR). The notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 euro. The denominations of coins are 2 euro, 1 euro, 50 euro cent, 20 euro cent, 10 euro cent, 5 euro cent, 2 euro cent, and 1 euro cent. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores.

Taxes
IVA Value-added tax (IVA), is 12% on clothing, 19% on luxuries. On most consumer goods, it is already included in the amount shown on the price tag, whereas on services, it may not be.

Electricity:
To use U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and an adapter. The electrical current in Florence is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take plugs with two round prongs.

Language introduction phrases
Yes - Si
No - No
Hello - Buon giorno / Buona sera (after 15:00)
Goodbye - Arrivederla (formal) / Arrivederci (informal)
Please - Per favore
Thank you - Grazie
My name is … - Mi chiamo …
How are you? - Come sta?
I'm very well - Sto molto bene
I feel ill - Non mi sento bene
How much does it cost - Quanto costa?
Do you speak english? - Parla inglese?
I don't understand - Non capisco
Where is …? - Dov'è …?
Entrance - Entrata
Exit - Uscita
Danger - Pericolo
Open - Aperto
Closed - Chiuso
Toilets - Bagno / Servizio
Doctor - Medico
Hotel - Albergo
Restaurant - Ristorante
Beer - Birra
Wine - Vino
Menu - Menù
Today - Oggi
Tomorrow - Domanì
Monday - Lunedì
Tuesday - Martedì
Wednesday - Mercoledì
Thursday - Giovedì
Friday - Venerdì
Saturday - Sabato
Sunday - Domenica
One - Uno
Two - Due
Three - Tre
Four - Quattro
Five - Cinque
Six - Sei
Seven - Sette
Eight - Otto
Nine - Nove
Ten - Dieci
Twenty - Venti
Thirty - Trenta
Forty - Quaranta
Fifty - Cinquanta
Sixty - Sessanta
Seventy - Settanta
Eighty - Ottanta
Ninety - Novanta
One Hundred - Cento
One Thousand – Mille

Greeting Someone
A firm and friendly handshake is usually the customary greeting in most social and business situations, although when meeting friends, the Italians tend to be more enthusiastic and kiss and hug. New acquaintances are normally addressed on first name terms as the Italians are a casual, comfortable nation who are not too particular about strict codes of etiquette. Business cards are used throughout Italy and are often exchanged.

Police:
For emergencies, dial 112 for the Carabinieri (police). To report lost property or passport problems, call the questura urban police headquarters at 055--49-771.

Emergencies:
Dial 113 for an emergency of any kind, dial an ambulance at 118, and report a fire at 115. All these calls are free from any 055. For car breakdowns, call ACI at 116.

Hospitals:
Tourist Medical Service, Via Lorenzo il Magnifico 59, north of the centre of Florence between the Fortezza del Basso and Piazza della Libert` 055--475-411, is open 24 hours; take bus no. 8 or 80 to Viale Lavagnini or bus no. 12 or night bus no. 91 to Via Poliziano. Socialized medicine enables a person with an illness that is not an emergency to receive care at most Italian hospitals, speedily with no insurance questions asked, no forms to fill out, and no fee charged. A prescription is dispensed by medical personnel. The most central are the Arcispedale di Santa Maria Nuova 055--27- 581, a block northeast of the Duomo on Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, and the Misericordia Ambulance Service 055--212-222 for ambulance on Piazza del Duomo across from Giotto's bell tower.

For a free translator to help you describe your symptoms, explain the doctor's instructions, and aid in medical issues in general, call the Associazione Volontari Ospedalieri (AVO) at 055--425-0126 or 055--234-4567 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 4 to 6pm and Tuesday and Thursday 10am to noon.

Pharmacies:
For pharmacy information, dial 110. There are 24-hour pharmacies also open Sundays and state holidays in Santa Maria Novella train station 055--216-761; ring the bell between 1 and 4am; at Piazza San Giovanni 20r, just behind the Baptistry at the corner of Borgo San Lorenzo 055--211-343; and at Via Cazzaiuoli 7r, just off Piazza della Signoria 055--289-490.

Hotspots
Florence is an elegant city: its skyline, all russet rooftops and lofty domes, the architecture, it is all very picturesque and all situated within this city one must visit at least once in a life-time!

Florence in 24 hours
The first thing you'll need before you start your tour is a map of the city. The centre of Florence is pretty compact, so the best way to see it, without missing a thing is by foot. If you don't have a map or a guidebook and you're not the type that enjoys aimless wandering, make your first stop of the day at one of the tourist offices where you can pick up a free map of Florence. Starting off in the main Piazza, you'll easily spot the famous Duomo.

Duomo
The magnificent Duomo of Florence stands above all other buildings in the city. Construction began in the 12th century and was not completed until the dome was built in the 15th century. Thus, the cathedral has both Roman and Gothic architectural styles. One of the main attractions in the interior is the polychrome floors, which were worked on by multiple artists before they were completed. The frescos, choir stalls, floor mosaics, and stained glass are some of the finest you will see. The Rose Window by Duccio di Buoninsegna, which was created in 1288, is one of Italy's first examples of stained glass craftsmanship. While you are there, do not miss the cathedral's Baptistery.

If you are there early enough to avoid the crowds and you feel that you can take the 463 steps it is recommendable starting your tour by climbing up into dome for a spectacular view of the city. The Duomo is probably the most distinctive feature of Florence's skyline and is the result of years of work across six centuries.

Once you've taken the view, catch your breath with a leisurely stroll around the streets surrounding the Duomo, and then take a walk to the nearby Piazza della Signoria. Here you'll find a unique outdoor gallery of sculptures, including Neptune's Fountain and a copy of the famous Statue of David. You'll also find the Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) here. This was built in the early 14th century and is still used today for its original purpose, as a Town Hall.

Uffizi
Just beside the Palazzo you'll find the Uffizi museum, with its unrivalled collection of Renaissance art. If you're an art lover, you don't want to miss the Uffizi, but it's not something that can be easily covered in a short 2-hour visit!

Alongside the Uffizi you'll find the River Arno, with its many bridges. If you take a right turn you'll arrive at the Ponte Vecchio, the famed bridge that houses a multitude of goldsmiths and jewellery shops, with its medieval workshops overhanging the bridge. The bridge itself was built in 1345 and is the only bridge on the Arno that wasn't destroyed in World War II.

Palazzo Pitti
Once you've crossed the bridge, you'll arrive in the area called Oltrano, which literally means "behind the Arno". Here you'll find the Palazzo Pitti – a large 16th century palace. The palace was originally home to the Medici family who ruled Florence almost continuously between 1434 and 1743 and it now houses several important museums and galleries.

You may want to finish your day by taking a relaxing stroll in the Boboli gardens, which can be accessed through the Palazzo Pitti. These gardens were laid out in 1550 for the Medici a year after they bought the Palazzo Pitti and were opened to the public in 1766. Many parts of the gardens give stunning vistas over Florence and make a welcome retreat after a day of walking round the city.

If you have the time, it's worth returning to view the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, followed by a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the River Arno and everything seems almost magical.

Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio, literally meaning "Old Bridge," was first constructed in 972 AD, but was damaged by floods and fire several times in the course of history. There have been shops lining this bridge since the 12th century, if not before. The shops used to consist of butchers and tanners. Today, however, you will find rows of Florence's best goldsmiths and jewelers, as the Ponte Vecchio is one of the most popular jewelry shopping venues in Florence. BUS: B/D

For the longer stay
If you are lucky enough to stay a few days in Florence, please have a look at the attractions that are worth a visit below.

Florence is full of legends and consists of hundreds of churches, beautiful parks and historical architectural buildings. The following hotspots are places you will have to visit when you are in this magical city:
The Duomo, San Marco, San Lorenzo, the Bargello, Capella Brancacci, Palazzo Pitti, Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, San Miniato al Monte, Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Orsanmichele, Dante’s District, Neptune Fountain, Palazzo Davanzati, Palazzo trozzi, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Piazza Santa Croce, Forte di Belvedere, Cascine (public park).

Museums and galleries
The following museums and art galleries are also worth a visit:
Galleria degli Uffizi, the Accademia, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Museo del Bigallo, Museo dei Ragazzi, Museo di Storia della Scienza, Museo di Firenze com’era, Museo Marino Marini, Museo di Santa Maria Novella, Museo di San Marco, Museo Archeologico, Museo Horne, Museo Bardine.

The experienced traveller
An experienced traveller knows where he is heading for. Also he wants to feel the city in an innovative, active and/or different way. Think about the following activities to make your stay complete.

GreatCycling.com
Deluxe biking package tours in Italy.

Florentia~ walking tours of florence, italy; museum tours
Florentia is the ancient name of the city of Florence in Italy . Florentia is also an organization offering personal walking tours and museum visits in Florence.

I Bike Italy
Single-day biking and walking tours in the Tuscan countryside.

Immersive Art Tours of Florence
Participants visit museums and artisan workshops of this renaissance city.

The Accidental Tourist - Florence, ITALY - Bike tours and Cooking
Unlike other tours offered in Florence , they will take you where you could both enjoy tours and show you relaxing places Epiculinary Culinary Tours - Villa La Massa, Florence, Italy
Just outside Florence on the banks of the Arno River is the Villa la Massa , winner of numerous prestigious awards.

Dinner & nightlife

Restaurants
Florentine cuisine is of a very high level, majoring on the simple preparation of good, fresh and basic ingredients. Expect to taste the best steaks, white beans, spinach, truffle and liver. Grilling (alla Fiorentina) are the locals' preferred style of preparation. Eating elsewhere than home is not cheap, unless you know the spots. Look around the station and San Lorenzo for good food, that is reasonably priced.
Furthermore Florence has got hundreds of cafes, bars, wine bars and pubs to explore. Last but not least, there are a few of the traditional vinaii stand-up wine bars. A very delicious ‘local' wine which you should try is Chianti.

Here is a list of some good restaurants in Florence with their location, phone number and price class.

Antico Fattore HIGH price class
Via Lambertesca 1-3, R
Florence
Tel. 055-288975
Closed Sundays.
Charming interior, very good service, nice owner. This restaurant offers rustic country cooking at its best, including Florentine favorites such as white-bean soup and ribollita.

Paoli MODERATE price class
Via dei Tavolini, 12
Florence
Tel. 055-216215
Closed Tuesdays.
Warm, festive decor. Fantastic fresh salads, baked pasta and an amazing dessert cart.

Da Benvenuto LOW-MODERATE price class
Via Mosca, 16 (corner of Via Dei Neri)
Florence
Tel. 055-214833
Closed Mondays.
This Florentine establishment has an informal setting, is very reasonably priced and serves traditional Florence fare such as cimalino with green sauce, tripe, boiled and grilled meats, fresh salads and great steak. Especially good white beans and tuna fish.

Cibreo Ristorante HIGH price class
Risto: Via dei Macci 118/R
Florence
Tel. 055-2341100
Cibreo is a gastronomic oasis, combining an elegant restaurant with a trattoria at its back door that share the same kitchen, and an exciting bar across the street. Try the delicious potato sformato with ragu, the pureed yellow pepper soup and the polenta with herbs (no past dishes for first courses). Let the staff help you order. Reservations necessary.

Cibreo Caffe/Trattoria MODERATE price class
Cafe: Via Andrea del Verrocchio 5/R
Florence
Tel. 055-2345853
Also known as the sala dei poveri (the poor room) this trattoria serves a smaller selection of the same food, but without all the trimmings (no table clothes or stemmed glassware). Not bad for about 1/3 the price of the restaurant! No credit cards.

Osteria del Caffé Italiano MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via Isola delle Stinche, 11R
Florence
Tel 055-289080
Closed Mondays.
You can eat here at all hours of the day. Breakfast, lunch buffet, tea and afternoon snacks. Outdoor seating and its proximity to Florence 's most famous ice cream shop, Vivoli, make this a favorite for the after-theatre crowd. The wine cellar is one of the best in town.

Pizzeria del Caffè Italiano LOW price class
Via Isola delle Stinche, 13R
Florence
(no reservations accepted)
Closed Mondays.
The pizzeria is run by Enzo from Naples and while there are no menus and only three choices (the Napoli , the Margherita and the Marinara), this is by far the best pizza in town and worth any wait necessary!

Alle Murate HIGH price class
Via Ghibellina, 52/R
Florence
Tel. 055-240618
Closed Mondays.
Popular, innovative, chic restaurant with a terrific wine list. Interesting menu, excellent service and amazing desserts. Reservations a must.

Cinghiale Bianco LOW-MODERATE price class
Borgo San Jacopo, 43/R
Florence
Tel. 055-215706
Closed Wednesdays.
One of the best restaurants in town. Small, charming medieval interior. Cinghiale Bianco offers a good selection of Tuscan reds and an interesting menu featuring Florentine steaks and antipasto. Friendly service. Reservations suggested.

Quattro Leoni MODERATE price class
Via dei Vellutini 1/R (Piazza Passarella)
Florence
Tel. 055-218562
Closed Wednesdays at lunch.
A quaint restaurant in the Oltrarno with a funky interior and an inventive menu – this is the place where chic Florentines dine. Dinner reservations suggested.

Acqua al Due LOW-MODERATE price class
Via Vigna Vecchia, 40/Ra
Florence
Tel. 055-284170
Open every night.
This is one of the most popular, fashionable restaurants in the city these days. The food is good, it's fun and always packed. The service is fast and good but don't be surprised if the wait staff orders for you (she probably knows what's best anyway!). Try the asaggi dei Primi (tastings of first courses). Reservations necessary.

Enoteca Pinchiori HIGH price class
Via Ghibellina, 87
Florence
Tel. 055-242777
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at lunch.
Delicious but very expensive gourmet cooking. Extraordinary wine list. Special dishes: cannelloni with lobster and herbs, tagliata con cestino di parmigiano alle bietole, and Apple cake with crema di Procopio Coltelli. Reservations suggested.

Il Latini MODERATE price class
Via dei Palchetti, 6
Florence
Tel. 055-210916
Closed Mondays.
The place to eat “bistecca alla Fiorentina”. A wonderfully rustic interior crowded with tourists (7:00pm seating) and Florentines (9:30pm seating) alike. There is a “set menu” of 4 courses so speak-up early if you want something off the menu! Reservations necessary.

Sabatini MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via de' Panzani 41/43/R
Florence
Tel 055-282802 / 055-211559
Closed Mondays.
One of the oldest and best-known restaurants in Florence . Excellent service, elegant interior, a dress-up place. Special dishes include antipasto alla Sabatini, trippa alla fiorentina, semifreddo al croccantino. Reservations suggested.

Garga MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via del Moro 48/R
Florence
Tel. 055-2398898
Closed Mondays.
One of the most popular places with young Florentines. Funky interior, interesting menu and a good wine list. Their specialties include spaghetti with raw artichokes, spaghetti all imperatore made with orange rind, steamed octopus and marvelous salads. The cheesecake is the best in the city. Reserve!

Baldovino LOW-MODERATE price class
Via San Giuseppe, 22/R
Florence
Tel. 055-241773
Closed Mondays during winter.
Comfortable, laid back atmosphere in a very attractively designed restaurant. The pizzas are inventive (try the one with pesto and smoked cheese) and the rest of the menu is creatively Italian. The desserts are fantastic and homemade by the owner's wife.

Enoteca Baldovino LOW-MODERATE price class
Reservations not possible. Just opposite the restaurant of the same name is the wine bar/café where you can sample some of Italy 's greatest wines accompanied by some fabulous Mediterranean dishes and creative salads.

Cantinetta dei Verrazzano MODERATE price class
Via dei Tavolini, 18;
Florence
Closed Sundays
Cantinetta dei Verrazzano proves that fast food can be good food. They use an old oven that turns out good breads, foccaccia, and other treats. Alongside these you can choose cheeses, oil, salame, eggs, and vegetables. Chianti Classico and many other wines from the Castello di Verrazzano are available. This is an ideal place for tourists who want a bite of good food between museums.

Yellow Bar LOW price class
Via Proconsolo, 39 (across from the Bargello)
Florence
Tel. 055-211766
Great place for a good pizza or just a plate of pasta. Yellow Bar is fast and informal, with picnic-style tables suitable for larger parties.

Café Coquinarius LOW-MODERATE price class
Via delle Oche, 15r
Florence
Closed Sundays.
Just around the corner from the hotel Brunelleschi, this wine bar offers cold and hot dishes, soups, salads, and some of the best hot chocolate in town.

Antica Mescita San Niccolò LOW-MODERATE price class
Via S. Niccolò , 60/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2342836
Closed Sundays.
This osteria offers family style, traditional Tuscan cooking. Open for lunch, and late in the evening. Located in the enchanting San Niccolò neighborhood.

Angiolino Antica Trattoria LOW-MODERATE price class
Via Guelfa, 138/r
Florence
Tel. 055-475292
Closed Thursdays.
Traditional Florentine cuisine and a selection of Tuscan wines. Angiolino has a garden seating area. Located near the Fortezza da Basso and Palazzo dei Congressi.

Beccofino MODERATE-HIGH price class
Piazza degli Scarlatti, 1/r (Lungarno Guicciardini)
Florence
Tel. 055-290076
Closed Mondays.
This restaurant and wine bar serves wonderful fish in a somewhat New York-ish setting. Located just south of the Arno river near Lungarno Guicciardini, it is owned and operated by the owner of Baldovino. Reservations necessary.

Borgo Antico MODERATE price class
Piazza Santo Spirito, 6/r
Florence
Tel. 055-210437 or 055-214175
Open every day.
Borgo Antico is located in the Oltrarno and has become popular with the tourist set – but with good reason! The food is fantastic, the portions are humongous and the service is great. Don't be surprised if you're put at a table with strangers and for sure all the ceramic plates at the table won't match. Reservations suggested.

Buca Mario LOW-MODERATE price class
Piazza Ottaviani, 16/r
Florence
Tel. 055-214179
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays at lunch.
Open since 1886, Buca Mario a very good restaurant for a traditional Tuscan meal.

Boccanegra MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via Ghibellina, 124/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2001098
Closed Sundays.
An enchanting atmosphere offering beautifully presented dishes, but portions tend to be small. Fantastic wine list. Reservations necessary.

Osteria del Porcellino MODERATE price class
Via di Lamona (at the corner with Via Porta Rossa)
Florence
Tel. 055-264148
Open every day for lunch and dinner.
A cosy candle-lit atmoshpere in winter and outside seating in summer this restaurant serves creative tuscan dishes. Some to try include the fried brie and the tagliata.

Cavolo Nero MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via D'Ardiglione, 22
Florence
Tel. 055-294744
Closed Sunday; open also for lunch.
Fantastic food in a fantastic setting with a fantastic wine list. The garden is open only in summer, but the interior is Italian done the right way as well. Nothing about this restaurant is pretentious or overstated, but “just right” – even down to the creative, but traditional menu selections.

Danny Rock LOW price class
Via Pandolfini, 13/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2340307
Danny Rock offers a nice mix of Italian and American dishes. Hamburgers with french fries, baked potatoes, and big salads are available as well as good pizza and primi , and, at night, made to order dessert crepes. Popular with both Italians and American tourists, Danny Rock is often packed and very loud at night. Reservations recommended for dinner, especially on the weekend.

Trattoria da Tito LOW-MODERATE price class
Via San Gallo, 112/r
Florence
Tel. 055-472475
Closed Sundays
Specializing in typical Tuscan cuisine, Da Tito offers a fresh fish menu on Fridays. Open since 1913!

Edi House LOW price class
Piazza Savonarola, 9/r
Florence
Tel. 055-588886
Open every night 19:00 to 1:30am; no lunch hours. Reservations recommended.
A great pizzeria offering typical Tuscan cuisine – right in our very own piazza! A great option after long hours in the studio.

Francescano LOW-MODERATE price class
Largo Bargellini, 16 (Piazza Santa Croce)
Florence
Tel. 055-241605
Open everyday.
Typical Tuscan trattoria. The gnocchi are fantastic!

Il Che C'e C'e LOW-MODERATE price class
Via dei Magalotti, 11/r
Florence
Tel. 055-290485
Closed Mondays.
The name of this restaurant translates into “whatever there is, there is” meaning that the day's menu is decided in the morning based on the price and availability of produce and meat. Good home-cooked dishes.

Il Micio di Surci Chiara LOW-MODERATE price class
Via Fra Bartolommeo, 52
Florence
Tel. 055-573257
Closed Saturdays at lunch and all day Sundays.
A trattoria near the Villa Rossa serving dependable Italian cuisine at both lunch and dinner.

Trattoria 13 Gobbi MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via del Porcellana, 9/r
Florence
Tel. 055-284015
Closed Mondays at lunch.

Il Vegetariano di Ambrosini LOW price class
Via Ruote, 30/r
Florence
Tel. 055-475030
Closed Mondays.
The original vegetarian restaurant in Florence , Il Vegetariano functions more like a self-service cafeteria than a sit-down restaurant.

Le Scuderie LOW price class
Via Maffia, 31/r
Florence
Tel. 055-287198
Closed Mondays.
Near the Teatro Comunale, Le Scuderie is open until 1:00am for after theater dining. Typical cuisine and pizza. Can accomodate large groups.

La Giostra HIGH price class
Borgo Pinti, 12/r
Florence
Tel. 055-241341

Le Campane LOW price class
Borgo La Croce , 85/87/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2341101
Open everyday.
A large restaurant and pizzeria, Le Campane has a great selection of pizzas, and they also make an extra-large pizza for large groups. Take away orders possible.

Mamma Gina MODERATE price class
Borgo San Jacopo, 37/r
Florence
Tel. 055-396009
Closed Sundays.
A typical Tuscan trattoria.

Osteria Belle Donne LOW-MODERATE price class
Via Delle Belle Donne, 16r
Florence
Tel. 055-382609
Typical Tuscan food in the Santa Maria Novella area.

Osteria de' Benci MODERATE-HIGH price class
Via de' Benci, 13/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2344923
Closed Sundays.
Serving not so typical Italianesque dishes, the Osteria de' Benci is a dependable nice restaurant. Some of more exciting dishes include pasta all'ubriacone (drunken pasta – cooked in wine) and bistecca alla fiorentina.

Osteria de' Macci MODERATE price class
Via de' Macci, 77/r
Florence
Tel. 055-241226
Open every day for lunch and dinner (including holidays). Garden seating in summer.

Osteria Il Gatto e La Volpe LOW-MODERATE price class
Via Ghibellina, 151/r
Florence
Tel. 055-289264
Typical osteria, small, cozy dining area. Try the house pizza “il Gatto e la Volpe.”

Osteria Santo Spirito MODERATE price class
Piazza Santo Spirito, 16/r
Florence
Tel. 2382383

Trattoria Pallottino LOW price class
Via Isola delle Stinche, 1/r
Florence
Tel. 055-289573
This is a family style restaurant with very reasonable prices. Lunch: first course, second course dessert plus wine or water for 5,50 Euros in a checkered table-cloth setting. Next door to the famous Vivoli ice cream parlor.

Pane e Olio LOW price class
Via Faentina, 2/r
Florence
Tel. 055-470101
The menu changes daily based on availability of produce, so whatever the table next to you is eating (or the waitress suggests) is what you should have! They usually serve a well coordinated 3-4 course meal (including desert) for a very reasonable price.

Pane e Vino LOW-MODERATE price class
Via San Niccolò, 70/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2476956
Popular among past students, this restaurant is across the river and serves typically Italian dishes. Reservations recommended.

Pizzeria Nuti LOW price class
Borgo San Lorenzo , 22
Florence
A great centrally located pizzeria and more! Located right near the San Lorenzo market, it may look like a tourist trap, but it really is great value for the money.

Trattoria Borgo Antico MODERATE price class
Piazza Santo Spirito, 6/r
Florence
Borgo Antico is located in the Oltrarno and has become popular with the tourist set – but with good reason! The food is fantastic, the portions are humongous and the service is great. Don't be surprised if you're put at a table with strangers and for sure all the ceramic plates at the table won't match. Reservations suggested.

ZàZà MODERATE price class
Piazza Mercato Centrale, 26/r
Florence
Tel. 055-215411
Closed Sundays.
ZàZà is a large trattoria, popular with both locals and tourists, with ample indoor space and open air seating in nice weather. The extensive menu, available in English and Italian, includes bistecca fiorentina and many other cuts of meat, ribollita , several pasta choices and desserts. Good wine list, delicious large salads and an impressive seafood menu. Reservations are highly recommended for dinners, a must on weekends. Lunches are less crowded, but in fine weather you may have to wait for an outside table.

Trattoria Il Giova LOW price class
Borgo La Croce , 73/r
Florence
Tel. 055-2480639
Closed Sundays.
Home cooked Italian specialties in a romantic but small setting. As there are only about eight tables, reservations are recommended.

Osteria di Giovanni MODERATE price class
Via del Moro, 22
Florence
Tel.055-284897
Closed Tuesdays.
Owned by the brother of Latini of Il Latini fame, this restaurant is touted by Florentines as being the best new restaurant of the year. Giovanni's restaurant boasts a more local crowd and a typically Tuscan menu.

Semi Di Vino LOW-MODERATE price class
Via S. Gallo 22/R
Florence
Tel. 055-4620016
Open every day.
This is a fairly new restaurant and wine bar. Their menu includes both modern Italian creative dishes as well as ancient tuscon recipies. A great lunch option!

Da Pepe LOW price class
Via A. Pacinotti, 5/R
Florence
Tel. 055-574392
Closed Mondays.
A typical trattoria near the school with excellent pizza! Open late, too.

Il Pizzaiuolo LOW price class
Via de' Macci, 113/ R
Florence
Tel. 055-241171
Closed Mondays.
This is one of the oldest and best pizzerie in town, known for their pizzaman from Naples . Reservations a must!

Pantera Viola LOW price class
Via A. Pacinotti, 10/R
Florence
Tel. 055-588846
A great Pizzeria near the school with memorabilia of the Florentine soccer team. Forza Pizza e Forza Viola!

Perseus MODERATE price class
Viale Don Minzoni, 10/R
Florence
Tel. 055-588226
Closed Sundays.
Great food in a great setting. Typically Italian – the bistecca alla fiorentina and other roasted meats are fantastic.

Nightlife
Florence is a majestic city full of historical artworks and famous churches but it is also home to a major University and has an excited student population. Many young people arrive in Florence as tourists so you'll definitely want to get out there and enjoy all the night time offerings the city of Florence has to offer. There are many places and clubs to choose from. You may wish to bar hop or stay in place for the night. Whichever you prefer, we know that you're in for a great time.

The minimum drinking age in Florence is 18. Partying in Florence is a determinedly young scene, with students the proliferation of inexpensive wine and flexible opening hours. Some pubs stay open until 01:00 and some even until 03:00. The most bohemian area is the Oltrarno, south of the river, where you can spend time until the early hours. Elsewhere, nightlife is concentrated around Piazza della Signoria, home of more sedate venues.

Florentines, like most Italians, are self-consciously stylish with a definite lean towards smart, conservative dress. Dress up, take a pew outside one of the city's elegant cafés and enjoy being admired in a city where beauty is taken for granted.

As with any university city , bars and clubs experience peaks and troughs of popularity. To find out where the action is, buy “ Firenze Spettacolo ” the city's best entertainment publication. Information for clubs and live music events can be found here as well. Entry to clubs can be expensive and can be different from €5 to €20, although tickets usually include a free drink at the bar.

Bars:
For a glimpse of some of the best Italian wine bars, wend your way to Le Volpi and L' Uve , in Piazza de'Rossi, to taste some of the best wines the region has to offer. The owners, Riccardo and Emilio, can advise a plate of salami and cheese to accompany your choice of wine. Rex Cafe , in Via Fiesolana, is a place for well-dressed groups, where you can get good mixers and tasty tapas.
If you want to enjoy a snack in the city centre, try Cantinetta del Verrazzono , in Via dei Tavolini. In Fiddler's Elbow , Piazza Santa Maria Novella, is an Irish-style pub with satellite TV, a good line in Guinness and would-be Celts.
South of the river, La Dolce Vita , Piazza del Carmine, is more laid-back and popular with students who spill out onto the piazza. Then there is tiny Vini , in Via dei Cimatori, a simple wine counter (one of the last in the city) founded in 1875. Just stand on the pavement with the other customers and enjoy the wine. There is old-fashioned appeal at Casa del Vino , in Via del Ariento, situated close to the central market.
Latin music lovers should head for Girasol Latin Bar , in Via del Romito, near the Fortezza, which serves up cocktails, antipasti and Latin beats. Cocktail lovers should also try Café de Paris, at Piazza Dalmazia, which serves around 120 pick me ups along with a selection of antipasti or try the Angels American Bar , in Via del Proconsolo, which serves a good vodka sour.

Clubs:
Central Park , in Via Fosso Macinante, on the outskirts of Florence in Parco delle Cascine, is the place to be. Florentines collect the latest trends in music here, although transport can be difficult for those without a car. Tenax , in Via Pratese, in the Peretola district, is one of the most popular discos in town, and preferred by the young crowd. It also stages live concerts. Meccano , in Viale degli Olmi, is self-consciously hip, while Dolce Zucchero , in Via Pandolfini, is a small club that quickly fills up with dancers.
Universale , situated on the banks of the Arno , at Via Pisana, is an altogether more exclusive venue, and Yab , in Via Sassetti, is extremely trendy while playing everything from hip-hop on Mondays to disco on Thursdays. The Soulciety Club , in Via San Zanobi, is a little known club that attracts a lively crowd at the weekend. It is a great spot for funk, hip hop and soul. Noir Lungarno , in Corsinini, is a club that offers a buffet and DJ set, while Costes , in Via Provinicale Lucchese, has house music from Thursday to Saturday.
Finally, if your fancy footwork stretches to the samba, head for Maracana , in Via Faenza, a lively Brazilian themed spot for swinging your hips, or try Jaragua , in Via Erta Canina, where you can dance to Latin music and also learn how to salsa.

Live Music:
Florence does not have a great deal of choice when it comes to live music, but you can hear some good sounds at Be Bop , in Via dei Servi, a cocktail bar specialising in live jazz and rock music. You can also try The Jazz Club , in Via Nuova dei Caccini, which serves up live music every Friday and Saturday. The Chiodo Fisso club, in Via Dante Alighieri, offers a varied repertoire and is popular with the locals, Yab , in Via Sassetti, has some live music nights, while Eskimo , in Via de'Canacci, has a wide range of live music Further out, near the airport, Tenax , in Via Pratese, has a live music auditorium, which doubles as a dance floor. Auditorium Flog , in Via M Mercati, another student dive in the suburbs, is strong on contemporary young DJs and the Indie scene, and out of town at Osmannoro is Omni Club which also has some live music. Near the Fortezza is Girasol Latin Bar , in Via del Romito, which has everything from Brazilian to Cuban beats. At Astor Caffe , Piazza Duomo, you can often catch a live band playing, while Caffe la Torre , at Lungarno Cellini, which is famous for its aperitifs, also serves up jazz, blues and Latin beats.

Shopping
Leather is a product for what Florence is famous. In San Lorenzo you can find a large leather market. Here you can browse through stall after stall of handbags, leather jackets, belts and other clothing and gifts. They are a lot cheaper than the many shops that sell them, but just be careful of the quality you are buying.

Florence is without doubt one of the best places to be in Italy to go for both shopping and magnificent sightseeing. Whether you are looking for high quality fashion and clothes, antiques, books, jewellery, leather, furniture or home accessories, Florence , Italy , will provide you with a huge choice.
The main shopping area is between the Duomo and the Arno river. A lot of boutiques are also concentrated along Via Roma, Via De' Calzaiouli and Via Por Santa Maria. Those street will lead you to the goldsmiths near Ponte Vecchio. It is ideal to (window-)shop along Via De' Tornabuoni, where the top designers, including Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and Prada sell their wares.
More reasonably priced shops include Via de' Cerretani, Via del Corso, Via Roma and Via Calimala. Also worth a visit are the department stores Principe in Via degli Strozzi and Coin in Via dei Calzaiuoli. Upim, on Via Speziali (off Piazza della Repubblica) is slightly more down-market, but excellent for basic clothes and stylish accessories.

Florence is famous for its pride in craftsmanship and if you want to see real craftsmen at work, simply walk around the Piazza Santa Spirito or any other of the narrow streets of the Oltrarno. You can also enjoy the view of the wonderful monuments, statues and fountains as you walk downtown for some serious Florence shopping.

Florence shops are generally open from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:30 or 16:00 to 19:00 or 20:00, although many of the bigger shops in Florence are now open all day. On Saturday shops tend to close earlier at around 17:30 and only a few are open on Sundays. Also, many shops in Florence do not open on Monday morning. There is usually late-night shopping every week on Thursdays.

Food in Florence
For food it is probably best to stop by at the brilliant Mercato Centrale, a giant food market. Please have a look at the picture below.

Antiques in Florence
There are many antique shops in Florence , which specialise in a wide range of goods, including both genuine antiques and some reproductions in marble and bronze. Renaissance Florence invented the 'bottega' (workshop) system where the master would outline the project and then leave much of the detail to his capable apprentices. The borderline between a work of art and a copy or replica is not always clear, and so if you are not an antiques expert and are planning on spending a large amount of money, be sure that you know what you are purchasing.

Books, Prints and Art Paper in Florence
Guilo Giannini e Figlio, located at Piazza Pitti, makes and sells marbled paper, a speciality of Florence for more than 600 years. Parione at Via del Parione is well-known in Florence for selling this traditional marbled paper.
Florence has a large range of bookshops and for visitors who do not read Italian, the simply named BM, situated on the corner of Borgo Ognissanti and Piazza Goldoni, sells a large selection of guidebooks and books on local history in various languages, but mainly in English. Feltrinelli, in Via Cavour, also provides a good choice of foreign language books.

Clothes and Fashion in Florence
Florence is second only to Milan as a source of Italian high fashion and is also rated highly for its extensive range of leather goods. There are many top names in Italian design that reside in the city's most fashionable shopping street, Via de' Tornabuoni - including Versace, Gucci and Ferragamo and nearby in the surrounding streets such as Via della igna Nuova, Valentino, Armani and Pucci can be found. Other notable shops include Luisa, first choice for 'alta moda' (high fashion) at Via Roma and more affordable outlets, Max Mara at Via de' Pecori and Krizia in Piazza Strozzi.

Leather Goods in Florence
Florence has literally hundreds of shops and market stalls that sell leather goods, such as shoes, coats, handbags, gloves and belts. For top quality craftsmanship you need to visit some of the best known outlets, such as Ferragamo and Gucci, located at Via de' Tornabuoni. Cellerini, in Via del Sole, is widely considered the best shop of its type in the city, specialising in everything from gloves to lizard-skin handbags, all of which are made on the premises.

Jewellery in Florence
Jewellers have had a major presence in Florence on the Ponte Vecchio for over 400 years. The shops on this bridge are still the most famous source of jewellery in Florence and offer an impressive range of high quality pieces. Shops include Melli, Piccini and Mannelli, which are some of the top names in Florence . Gold jewellery in particular is outstanding and is a legacy of Florence 's long tradition of goldsmiths.

Some addresses
Boutique Gianni Versace
Famous the world over, he is one of Italy 's greatest fashion designers.
Via Tornabuoni 13/15r
Florence
055.2396167.

Boutique Prada
Handbags, fashions and shoes.
Via Vacchereccia, 26/28r (ang. Via Por S. Maria)
Florence
055.213901.

Bulgari
Prestigious jewellery of refined taste and design.
Via Tornabuoni, 61/ 63
Florence
055.2396786

Cartier
Famous the world over for its beautiful jewellery.
Via Tornabuoni, 40r
Florence
055.292347