Top 10 Florence Travel Tips: Art, Steaks, and Skipping the Lines
““Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.”
Florence (Firenze) is the jewel of the Renaissance. It’s where Michelangelo’s David stands and where the Medici family once ruled. It is compact, walkable, and breathtakingly beautiful. However, because it is so small, it can feel extremely crowded.
To avoid the "tourist fatigue" and truly experience the magic of Tuscany, you need to know a few insider secrets. Here is your guide to Florence.
1.
Pre-Book the Uffizi and Accademia (Weeks in Advance)
If you just show up to see the "David" or Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus," you will wait 3-4 hours in line.
The Rule: Book your tickets online at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. It costs a few Euros more as a booking fee, but it is the best money you will spend in Italy.
2.
Don't Pay for the "David" (See the Replica)
If you are on a tight budget or couldn't get tickets to the Accademia, you can still see Michelangelo's masterpiece for free.
The Hack: There is a full-scale, high-quality replica of David in Piazza della Signoria (where it originally stood) and another bronze one at Piazzale Michelangelo. They are free to look at 24/7.
3.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
This is the most famous viewpoint in the city, and for a good reason.
The Tip: Walk up the hill (or take bus 12/13) to Piazzale Michelangelo about an hour before sunset. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks. The view of the Duomo and the Arno River turning gold is unforgettable and costs nothing.
4.
Eat a "Panino" Away from the Crowds
All'Antico Vinaio is world-famous on TikTok, but the line can be 2 hours long.
The Hack: Florence is full of amazing sandwich shops (Schiacciata). Try I’ Girone De' Ghiotti or La Prosciutteria. You will get a massive, delicious truffle and prosciutto sandwich for around €7-€10 without wasting half your day in line.
5.
Cross the "Other" Bridges
The Ponte Vecchio is stunning but extremely crowded and expensive.
The Tip: For the best photos of the Ponte Vecchio, walk to the next bridge over, Ponte Santa Trinita. It’s much quieter, and it houses the famous Gelateria Santa Trinita—don't miss their black sesame or dark chocolate flavors!
6.
Beware of the "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" Price
The famous Florentine steak is a must-try for meat lovers, but it’s huge.
The Rule: It is always priced by weight (per 100g). A standard steak is usually 1kg to 1.5kg. If you see €6 on the menu, that’s not for the whole steak! It is meant to be shared by 2 or 3 people. Also, don't ask for it "well done"—the chef might refuse to cook it.
7.
Visit the "Leather Market" with Caution
The San Lorenzo market is famous for leather goods, but many items are now mass-produced imports.
The Hack: If a jacket or bag smells like chemicals rather than leather, skip it. For authentic, handmade Florentine leather, look for shops with workshops in the back, particularly in the Oltrarno district (across the river).
8.
Tap Water and "Fontanelle"
Florence has many public water fountains, and the water is fresh and safe.
The Tip: Look for the "High Quality" water fountains (Fontanelle di Alta Qualità) that even offer chilled sparkling water for free! Bring your reusable bottle and save €3 every time you refill.
9.
Oltrarno: The Cooler Side of the River
Most tourists stay on the side of the Duomo.
The Hack: Cross the river to Oltrarno. This is the artisan quarter. It has cooler bars, cheaper restaurants, and a much more "local" vibe. Visit Piazza Santo Spirito in the evening for a real Florentine experience with street musicians and locals enjoying an Aperol Spritz.
10.
The Duomo: Climb the Campanile Instead?
The line for Brunelleschi's Dome is the longest in the city.
The Alternative: Consider climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile) instead. It’s a similar number of steps, but you get a view that includes the famous Dome in your photos—which you obviously can't see if you are standing on top of it!
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