Ultra-Complete and Detailed Florence Travel Guide for International Students (Continuously Updated)

📍 Taipei · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 39 likes

I originally just wanted to jot down a few simple notes, but after typing a few words I realized there was so much to write that I couldn't finish, so this super detailed guide was born. I spent a whole year in Florence—the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in the morning mist, the Boboli Gardens under the Tuscan sun, the Ponte Vecchio at dusk when the lights come on, and the Piazzale Michelangelo dotted with stars...

And you, are you ready to step into this romantic and charming "Firenze" with me?

Florence has only one airport, called Peretola Airport (Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci), also known as Tuscan Airport. Besides taxis, there are two public transport options from the airport to the city center.

1. Airport bus (you can buy tickets on board)

2. Tram: there's a platform right outside the airport; take Line T2.

Both options take you to Santa Maria Novella Station (Firenze SMN).

Santa Maria Novella Station is already in Florence's historic center, so from there you can walk to all the attractions!

Florence's attractions are concentrated. It's best to stay in the historic center, so you won't have to stress over transport routes and can save time. There are many boutique hotels in this area. If you choose a B&B, search for "Firenze SMN station area" or "city center area."

When booking hotels or B&Bs, if you're not sure where a place is, check the distance from the accommodation to the train station or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. A 10–15 minute walk or 2–3 tram stops is acceptable. Anything farther is not recommended—it's really too far.

Florence's local transport includes trams and buses.

Tram tickets can be bought from machines at the platforms, €1.50 each. Once on board, validate your ticket at the small yellow machine (you must do this! Florence has frequent ticket inspections; if you're caught without a ticket or without validating, you'll be fined €50). Each ticket is valid for 90 minutes, and transfers within that time don't require a new ticket.

Bus tickets are sold at Tabacchi (Italian tobacco shops and newsstands). Look for a sign with a big "T". Each ticket is also €1.50, valid for 90 minutes. (If you can't find a Tabacchi, some outdoor newsstands also sell tickets. You can also buy tickets on the bus, but they cost €2 there.) Remember to validate your ticket on the bus every time!

There are also day tickets available if you plan to use public transport a lot.

Taxi fares: about €10–20 for a 10–15 minute ride. You can queue for a taxi outside the train station.

**Ponte Vecchio**

Also known as the Old Bridge, it's a medieval arched bridge and one of the earliest of its kind in Europe. It spans the Arno River, Florence's mother river. Legend has it that the great Renaissance Italian poet Dante fell in love at first sight with a woman when he was young, and they met again on this bridge eight years later. His admiration for her lasted a lifetime. — Information from Wikipedia.

For me, the Ponte Vecchio is an almost dreamlike city landmark.

By day, it's a shopping paradise: handmade leather shoes, pearls, red coral jewelry, Swiss watches... Tourists from all over the world often crowd it.

But I love it at night, when the lights come on, street performers put on shows on the bridge, below are the twinkling lights of the city's homes, and above are the stars in the sky.

**Uffizi Gallery (Uffizi)**

Not far from the Ponte Vecchio is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most famous art museums. It houses works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, and ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.

As a world-class tourist city, Florence has no off-season, so it's essential to book tickets in advance! Buying tickets on site will mean incredibly long queues.

**Piazza della Signoria**

The square you come to after leaving the Uffizi is Piazza della Signoria. Here you'll see a David statue (this is not Michelangelo's most famous David; the original is mentioned later, in the Galleria dell'Accademia), the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Loggia dei Lanzi.

Also located here is the one and only GUCCI GARDEN.

GUCCI GARDEN is a fashion museum specially established by Gucci in its birthplace, Florence. It features many exclusive limited editions, with exhibitions on the second floor and occasional fashion shows on the third.

There's also a restaurant, Gucci Osteria, in collaboration with three-Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura.

**Piazzale Michelangelo**

A square offering a panoramic view of Florence. In summer evenings, street artists often perform here—a great place for romance or killing time. The skyline formed by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio, along with Florence's unique red rooftops, makes for beautiful photos!

**Piazza della Repubblica**

This is the most fashionable of Florence's many squares, adjacent to the luxury shopping street and home to the La Rinascente department store. It's lined with famous restaurants and cafés, and street performers are a constant presence.

**Piazza della Santissima Annunziata**

One of Florence's most historically significant squares. Although small, it hosts the annual Women's Day rally, the Easter chocolate market, summer family concerts, and more.

**Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens (Palazzo Pitti e Giardino Boboli)**

Palazzo Pitti was originally the Medici family residence, now a museum. Its interiors are splendid, offering a glimpse of the Medici family's former grandeur. The Boboli Gardens are world-renowned Roman-style gardens, once the Medici family's courtyard.

These two are connected! After visiting Palazzo Pitti, follow the signs directly to the Boboli Gardens—don't leave the complex.

**Galleria dell'Accademia**

This is probably one of the longest-queue attractions in Florence. The famous Michelangelo's David mentioned earlier is here. Be sure to book online in advance!

The museum has three floors and features animations to help understand the history of the collection—very thoughtfully done.

**Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore)**

This cathedral is probably the first image many people have of Florence. It's one of the world's five largest churches and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of the cathedral, the campanile, and the baptistery. The complex covers a huge area, and passing by every day, I was always struck by its grandeur.

You can buy tickets at this website: [omitted]

The cathedral is really big! So you can get great shots from many spots in Florence. It's truly beautiful!

**Florentine Steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina)**

Imagine a several-kilogram T-bone steak, still bloody, with tender and flavorful meat, paired with red wine... This is a five-star recommendation—you must try it!

Recommended restaurant specializing in Florentine steak: I Toscani

**Lampredotto (Tripe Sandwich)**

Spicy tripe stuffed in bread, also served with rice, and optional green garlic sauce—a local Florentine street food specialty.

**Gelato (Italian Ice Cream)**

The famous gelato is different from the ice cream we're familiar with! It has lower fat content and a better texture. Two well-known places:

- Venchi: also sells chocolate and crêpes; generally the chocolate flavors are all delicious.

- Amorino: the cute thing is they shape the gelato into a flower with a spoon.

**Tiramisù**

Italy's representative dessert. Every pastry shop's version may look a bit different, but they all taste superb.

Recommended century-old Florentine pastry shop: Caffè Gilli

Italians really love coffee, and their coffee is truly excellent! In Italy, people usually have a cappuccino in the morning, and after a meal, an espresso or a macchiato. An Italian macchiato is essentially an espresso with a dollop of milk foam. If you don't like it too bitter, I recommend ordering a macchiato.

**Panino (Italian Sandwich)**

Italian-style sandwich with many varieties, typically filled with ham, salad greens, and cheese. Depending on the bread, it can be crunchy or soft.

This place is Panini Toscani in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

**Pizza**

Traditional Italian pizza is quite different from American pizza—the crust is thinner and crispier, and there's no Hawaiian pizza with pineapple. In London, I deliberately ordered an American pizza with pineapple in front of my boyfriend; I felt like this Italian was about to fight me over it!

There's also a lot more...

Florence is also a small shopping paradise, basically offering everything. Besides the luxury shopping street, there are many brand stores, plus two shopping centers: La Rinascente and Coin (one large, one small).

I want to focus on Florence-exclusive products hidden in the streets and alleys.

**Farmacia Santa Maria Novella (Royal Pharmacy)**

Florence's most famous pharmacy, once a royal supplier, located near Santa Maria Novella Station. The interior is beautifully decorated and they have catalogs in Chinese and other languages.

**Farmacia SS.Annunziata**

Compared to the popularity of the Royal Pharmacy among Chinese tourists, this pharmacy seems relatively quiet. But my Florentine Italian teacher told me it's actually the oldest pharmacy in Florence. It's located near Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

**Clamori di Firenze (Grandma's Bags)**

The popular Florence grandma bags from the last couple of years. Originally handmade by an elderly woman, it has now developed into an industry. Custom orders are possible (about a month's wait), with many styles, priced between €200 and €500.

Overall, Florence's safety is manageable. In the city center, even at night, you don't need to worry too much. But outside the center, especially for women, it's better not to wander alone.

Italy's pickpockets are notorious, but not as exaggerated as rumors suggest. As long as you keep your bag in front of you and stay aware, you can enjoy your visit happily.

One scam to be aware of: in crowded areas near attractions, there are often paintings spread on the ground. Be careful not to step on them! If you do, the people will pester you for money.

The ZARA in the city center has habitual thieves, and security guards often remind you to watch your bag. Be vigilant against pickpockets.

Alright, limited space, I'll stop here for now. I'll update if I think of anything else! Hope this helps. Have a great time in Florence!

Travel Notes Directory:

1. How to get from the airport to the city?

2. Where to stay?

3. Local transport

4. Must-see attractions and practical tips

5. What to eat?

6. What to buy?

7. Safety guide