Første gang i Firenze? Praktiske reisetips, feil du bør unngå og hvor du bør spise

Exactly What to Do in Florence (For First Timers)

Let’s start with the most important truth: Florence is not a day trip. Not if you want to truly experience it. Sure, you can race through its highlights in twenty-four hours, but you’ll leave with a camera full of photos and a heart still empty. Even a couple of days feel like enough here.

This is the complete guide I wish someone had handed me before my first visit — honest, no-nonsense, practical, and rooted in the little things that matter.

When to Visit Florence (And When Not To)

Florence from May to October is packed. June and July are overflowing, especially during the last two weeks of July, which are among the busiest times of the year. august is slightly calmer as locals leave the city, but it’s dangerously hot. If sweating through your clothes by 9 a.m. doesn’t sound appealing, aim for spring or early fall instead.

The best times to visit? Late April, early May, or October — when the crowds ease up and the weather is still pleasant. These are the months when you can actually hear your footsteps echo in quiet cloisters.

Avoid Mondays — most museums (like the Uffizi and Accademia) are closed. And skip the first Sunday of the month: museums are free, but lines are insane and there’s no skip-the-line access.

One Name, Two Languages: Book Trains to Florence

If you’re buying train tickets online and you type “Florence,” nothing will show up. That’s because Italian train websites and booking systems use the city’s original name: Firenze.

So when you’re searching for tickets — whether it’s through Trenitalia, Italo, or any travel app — always enter Firenze as your destination. Not Florence. It’s a small detail, but if you don’t know it, you could spend a lot of time confused about why the system “can’t find” the most famous city in Tuscany.

Quick Tip: Firenze SMN (Santa Maria Novella) is the main train station in the city center. That’s where you want to arrive.

Florence Is the Perfect Base for Day Trips — With a Few Exceptions

Florence is one of the easiest cities in Italy to use as a base for day trips. With Santa Maria Novella station (Firenze SMN) right in the city center, you can hop on a train and reach cities like Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, and even Bologna in under 90 minutes.

But not every destination is that simple.

Some iconic places like San Gimignano don’t have a train station. To visit, you’ll need to take a combination of train and bus — or better yet, rent a car for a day or book a small-group tour.

The same goes for Siena. While it technically has a train station, it’s located far below the hilltop city center. You’ll need to take a local bus or face a steep uphill walk — not ideal for a short visit.

Carrying Cash, Cards, and ID: What You Need to Know

Don’t walk around Florence with a wallet full of cash. Only carry what you need for the day, and leave the rest safely in your accommodation. Pickpocketing can happen — especially in crowded spots like the Ponte Vecchio or near the Duomo.

If you’re a non-EU traveler, you’re required to carry your original passport with you — a photocopy isn’t legally valid for ID checks by Italian police. Keep it secure and separate from your cash.

Leave extra cards, unnecessary documents, and anything valuable that you won’t need during the day back at your hotel or apartment. Florence is safe, but there’s no reason to carry your life around with you.

Start with a Free Walking Tour: The Smartest Way to Explore Florence

If you’ve just arrived and want to get your bearings — or simply want to understand what you’re looking at — join a free walking tour on your first day. It’s one of the best ways to explore Florence without wasting time or money.

These tours are led by passionate locals or expert guides who’ll walk you through the city’s rich history, from Dante’s neighborhood to the political intrigue of the Medici family. And they’ll also point out the small things — hidden plaques, forgotten alleyways, and practical tips you won’t get from a map.

Most tours start from Piazza Santa Maria Novella eller Piazza della Repubblica and run in English. Make sure to book your spot online in advance, especially during high season — groups fill up fast.

If you like history, storytelling, and walking at a comfortable pace while learning what’s around you, a free tour is the smartest first move you can make in Florence.

Why You Should Book Everything in Advance

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Why You Must See the Accademia Gallery

You may not care much about art — that’s fine. But still, go to the Accademia Gallery. You go for one reason: Michelangelo’s David.

You might think it’s overhyped. It’s not. You walk in expecting just another marble statue, but then you see him. Towering, quiet, and impossibly perfect. There’s a silence that falls over the room, and you understand — really understand — what genius looks like in marble. Don’t pair this visit with the Uffizi. You’ll rush both and ruin the experience.

Visiting the Accademia Gallery? Don’t Make These Mistakes

If you’ve booked child tickets, carry ID or proof of age. Without it, you may be forced to pay the adult price.

Extra Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst crowds — and take a few moments to admire more than just David. The unfinished Fanger by Michelangelo in the same hall are unforgettable.

How to Visit the Uffizi Gallery the Right Way

The Uffizi Gallery is more than just another museum. It holds Botticelli’s glowing Venus, Leonardo Da Vinci’s delicate Madonnas, Caravaggio’s violent shadows, and Michelangelo’s raw spiritual tension. These aren’t paintings you just pass by. They demand your time.

If you book a tour that includes the Vasari Corridor, know this: your time inside the Uffizi Gallery will be limited, rushed. If you love art — or even just want to appreciate it — do them on separate days. When you’re done, go to the rooftop café above the Loggia dei Lanzi. Order something small and just take in the view over Palazzo Vecchio.

The Best Times to Visit the Uffizi Gallery (So You’re Not Stuck in a Tourist Stampede)

Piazza della Signoria: What to See (And What Most Visitors Miss)

Most people treat Piazza della Signoria like a backdrop. They snap a photo and move on. But this square was once the very heart of Florentine power — the open-air stage for revolutions, executions, and public celebrations.

Start by walking into the courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio — it’s free. The painted ceilings and sculptures will instantly transport you back to the grandeur of the Renaissance.

Don’t miss the subtle but powerful marker near the Neptune fountain. Embedded in the paving stones is a small, round marble plaque — this marks the spot where the radical friar Girolamo Savonarola was hanged and burned in 1498. He had once ruled Florence with fire-and-brimstone sermons, condemning art and luxury in the name of morality. His death on this very spot closed a dramatic chapter in Florence’s history. It’s a detail many overlook, but once you see it, it sticks with you.

The Arnolfo Tower: Worth the Climb (Even if Your Legs Disagree)

You see it from almost anywhere in Florence — the Arnolfo Tower, rising above Palazzo Vecchio. Most people admire it from below. That’s a mistake.

Climbing the Arnolfo Tower isn’t easy. The stairs are steep, narrow, and the last bit is more ladder than staircase. But once you’re up there? You’ll forget your burning calves. The view is pure magic — a full panorama of Florence, with the Duomo so close you feel like you could reach out and touch it.

And here’s the secret: the Arnolfo Tower doesn’t draw the same crowds as Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower. No elbowing for space. No tourist stampede. Just you and the spectacular view of Florence spread out below like a Renaissance painting.

So yes — the Arnolfo Tower is absolutely worth the climb. Go early or just before closing, take your time, and bring your camera.

Loggia dei Lanzi: A Free Open-Air Gallery You Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s right next to Palazzo Vecchio, at the corner of Piazza della Signoria. Most people take a photo and move on. Don’t.

De Loggia dei Lanzi is completely free and wide open to the street — but it holds some of the most important incredible sculptures in Florence. You’ll see Benvenuto Cellini’s bronze statue of Perseus, holding up Medusa’s severed head. That wasn’t just art — it was a political message, meant to warn and impress. Then there’s Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women, carved from a single block of marble. It’s full of motion, drama, and impossible balance — the kind of sculpture that rewards you the longer you stare.

There’s no security, no glass, no ticket — and that’s the beauty of it. Florence leaves some of its greatest masterpieces right out in the open, waiting for someone to stop and actually look.

How to Skip the Cathedral Line (Legally)

Florence Cathedral( Santa Maria del Fiore) is free to enter, but the line outside can be soul-crushing. Here’s a trick: buy a ticket in advance that includes a visit to the Santa Reparata crypt below. After your visit, you exit directly inside the cathedral, skipping the main line entirely.

On your way in, don’t forget to look down near the left side of the façade. You’ll see a circular marble marker — it’s where the lantern from the top of the dome crashed to the ground after a lightning strike in 1601. Centuries later, the mark still remains. Florence remembers everything.

Also, don’t ignore the dress code. No bare shoulders, no short skirts, no hats. They will turn you away at the door without hesitation.

Dome or Bell Tower? Choose Wisely

Climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome is a tight, steep, awe-inspiring experience. You’ll pass between the inner and outer shells of the dome, walk directly under Vasari’s massive fresco of the Last Judgment, and emerge at the very top, with the city laid out like a painting.

Giotto’s Bell Tower is slightly easier and gives you the one view you can’t get from the Dome — the Dome itself. If you’re only doing one, choose the Bell Tower. But if you can handle both, they’re completely different and equally unforgettable.

Brunelleschi’s Dome: Essential Tips for a Smooth Climb

Ponte Vecchio Is Best After Dark

At midday, the Ponte Vecchio is a packed river of selfie sticks and overpriced gold. But come at sunset or after dark, and it becomes something else entirely — hushed, golden, timeless. The shop shutters are closed, the river reflects the lights, and Florence feels ancient again. Keep an eye on your bag here — pickpockets know it’s a prime target. And skip the jewelry unless you’re prepared to overpay for something generic.

Bathrooms, Bags, and Shoes: Be Smart

Use the restroom before entering any climb, museum, or church. Once you’re in line or halfway up a narrow staircase, you’re committed — and facilities are not available inside some monuments. This is especially true for Brunelleschi’s Dome, where there are absolutely no restrooms, and you cannot enter with a backpack of any size. All bags must be checked beforehand, and the process can delay you enough to miss your timed entry if you’re not early.

At other major museums and churches — like the Uffizi-kirken, Palazzo Vecchio, og Santa Croce — bathrooms are available and accessible to visitors, but not always conveniently located mid-visit. It’s still best to go beforehand to avoid cutting your visit short or missing key moments.

Backpacks are also not allowed in most museums, especially where fragile artworks and narrow galleries are concerned. You must store them in the designated cloakroom or leave them at your accommodation. Even small bags may be restricted in some exhibitions, so it’s best to carry only a compact, hands-free day bag if permitted.

Footwear matters. Florence’s streets are paved in ancient cobblestones and museum floors are often polished stone. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes — no heels, no flimsy sandals, no slick soles. Go for comfortable sneakers or supportive walking sandals. Fashionable but thin-soled shoes might look good but will leave your feet aching halfway through the day.

And bring a refillable water bottle. Florence has many public fountains — called “nasoni” — that dispense clean, cold drinking water for free. It’s especially helpful during the summer heat.

Florence is best explored light and prepared. Smart packing makes all the difference.

Where to Shop in Florence — and Where Not To

Skip the overpriced gold shops. Also avoid San Lorenzo-markedet og Det nye markedet — once great, now mostly fake leather and mass-produced souvenirs.

For real leather: visit Scuola del Cuoio inside Santa Croce.

For a meaningful souvenir: go to Farmacia Santa Maria Novella — open since the 1200s, still making handmade perfumes and soaps.

Instead of the touristy markets, try shopping like a local:

Florence has more to offer than leather handbags. Step off the beaten path and discover where the city really shops.. It’s magical when the crowds are gone. During the day, it’s packed and notorious for pickpockets.

Skip the overpriced gold shops. Also avoid San Lorenzo-markedet og Det nye markedet — once great, now mostly fake leather and mass-produced souvenirs.

For real leather: visit Scuola del Cuoio inside Santa Croce.

For a meaningful souvenir: go to Farmacia Santa Maria Novella — open since the 1200s, still making handmade perfumes and soaps.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Santa Croce in Florence

The Church of Santa Croce is one of the most sacred places in Florence. Not just for its beauty, but for who rests within its walls: Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini. These aren’t just names in a guidebook. They’re lives that shaped the world. Standing in front of Michelangelo’s tomb is different from seeing the David. Here, you’re not admiring his work. You’re acknowledging his end.

The church itself is elegant, quiet, and filled with light. Walk slowly. Let it stay with you.

Where to Find the Best panoramic view in Florence (Sunset Spots & Panoramas)

Florence rewards those who climb. Whether it’s up steep stairs, quiet hills, or winding garden paths, the views are worth every step. These are the places where the city reveals itself fully

Start with Piazzale Michelangelo, the most famous panoramic point in Florence. Yes, it gets crowded, but there’s a reason it’s popular. The view sweeps across the Arno River and captures the entire historic skyline — with Brunelleschi’s dome front and center. Go one hour before sunset, when the sky turns golden and the city glows, and stay a little after dark when the crowds thin and the lights flicker on.

Just above Piazzale Michelangelo is San Miniato al Monte, a quiet Romanesque church perched even higher. Fewer tourists make the climb here, which means you’ll often have the view — and the peaceful silence — nearly to yourself. It’s one of the most magical places in Florence, especially if you visit while the monks are singing evening vespers.

For something a little greener, wander into the Giardino Bardini, a terraced garden that combines flowering pergolas, hidden fountains, and postcard-perfect views. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s rarely crowded, and the views of the dome framed by wisteria or ivy-covered walls are straight out of a fairytale.

And if you’re willing to go a bit farther, take the bus to Fiesole, a small hill town just outside Florence. From its quiet vantage point, you can look back across the entire city and the valley beyond. It’s peaceful, panoramic, and a welcome breath of fresh air after the bustle of the historic center.

How to Get to Piazzale Michelangelo (Walk or Ride)

On Foot: There are three scenic ways to walk up:

Just a short walking distance, you’ll find San Miniato al Monte (even better views and a peaceful church) and Giardino Bardini (a garden escape with postcard-perfect scenes).

By Bus: Buses 12 og 13 go from Santa Maria Novella station to the Piazzale in about 20 minutes. Tap a contactless card (one card per rider) or use a €1.70 ticket bought in advance. Sit on the right side for the best views as you climb.

Florence Transportation Guide: Walking, Buses, Trams, and ZTL Zones

Florence is a compact city. The historic center is flat, and made to be explored on foot. Most major landmarks are within a 15- to 20-minute walk of each other. You’ll get the most out of Florence by simply wandering — letting yourself discover quiet corners, hidden churches, and moments of beauty you won’t find on a map.

If your feet need a break or you’re staying outside the city center, public transportation is reliable and easy to use. Buses and trams run frequently. Buy your bus or tram tickets in advance from any tabacchi shop (look for the blue ‘T’ sign), vending machines, or via mobile apps. Once you board, validate your ticket using the yellow or red machine onboard.

You can also use a contactless bank card or smartphone to tap in on the bus. Just remember: one card = one rider. You can’t tap twice with the same card for multiple people — each person needs their own payment method or ticket.

If you’re arriving by car, do not drive into Florence’s city center. The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is strictly monitored by cameras, and fines are automatically issued for unauthorized access. These fines are mailed internationally and are very real.

Instead, park your car at Villa Costanza, a dedicated park-and-ride lot just off the A1 highway. It’s easy, safe, and affordable. From there, you can hop on the T1 tram line, which takes you directly into the heart of Florence in about 25 minutes — no traffic, no stress, no risk of fines.. ZTL cameras will fine you. If you’re arriving by car, park at Villa Costanza and take the tram into the city.

Why You Should Join a Cooking Class in Florence (And What You’ll Learn)

Florence isn’t just about admiring the past — it’s about tasting it too. One of the best ways to do that? Join a cooking class.

Spend a few hours learning how to make fresh pasta, roll out real Tuscan pici, or create melt-in-your-mouth tiramisù. You’ll get hands-on experience with local ingredients, share a meal with new friends, and come away with skills you can take home.

Some classes include a food market visit in the morning, where you’ll learn to spot the best seasonal produce and traditional ingredients like pecorino, wild boar, or freshly baked pane toscano. Others take place in countryside kitchens just outside Florence.

It’s more than a class. It’s a way to taste Tuscany — with flour on your hands and wine in your glass.

Where to Eat in Florence Like a Local (Not a Tourist Trap)

Skip the TikTok-famous sandwich shop. Skip any place with food photos, multilingual menus, or someone begging you to come in. Florence isn’t a city of gimmicks — it’s a city of delicious food. Eat where locals do, and you’ll understand the difference after the first bite.

Start with bistecca alla Fiorentina, the famous T-bone steak that’s charred on the outside and blood-red on the inside. If you like your steak well-done, don’t order it — this dish is served rare and proud. Try it at Trattoria dall’Oste, a favorite among locals and food lovers alike, or at La Carne e i Salumi inside the Mercato Centrale for a more casual market vibe.

For something quicker, grab a schiacciata sandwich — that crispy, salty Tuscan flatbread stuffed with cured meats, cheese, or vegetables. Il Girone dei Ghiotti is a small gem with big flavors. I Fratellini, a tiny walk-up counter, serves sandwiches with a glass of wine on the street. And Schiacciata de’ Neri is excellent too, though it often has a long tourist line — go early if you want to avoid the wait.

Feeling brave? Try lampredotto — the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked and served in a bun with salsa verde. It’s a true Florentine street food staple. Locals swear by Trippaio del Porcellino og Bambi at the Mercato Centrale, where the sandwich is hot, messy, and absolutely delicious.

When it’s time for dessert, skip the towering neon mountains of artificial gelato and find the real stuff. True gelato artigianale is stored in steel tins with lids, and the colors are soft and natural. Pistachio should be beige. Go to Gelateria dei Neri, La Carraia, or the beloved Perché No!, which has been serving gelato since 1939.

If you’re craving pasta, head to Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco and order pappardelle al cinghiale — wide noodles drenched in a deep, gamey wild boar ragù that tastes like Tuscan countryside in a bowl.

For comfort food, try ribollita, a thick bread-and-vegetable soup that gets better every time it’s reheated. Or pappa al pomodoro, a warm mix of tomato, bread, garlic, and olive oil that feels like a hug. Great places to taste these include Trattoria da Sergio Gozzi, Vini e Vecchi Sapori, I’ Raddi, og Trattoria I’ Due G — no-frills trattorias where locals still eat lunch every day.

To go full traditional, order fagioli all’uccelletto — creamy cannellini beans cooked with tomato and sage. Try them at Trattoria Mario eller Trattoria Sostanza, two institutions where the portions are generous and the recipes haven’t changed in decades.

And finally, end your meal with cantucci and vin santo. The almond biscotti are dry and crunchy, meant to be dipped into a small glass of sweet Tuscan dessert wine. Most family-run trattorias will bring this to your table as a quiet gesture, a closing note to a well-played song.

How It Works:

You browse the various food stands, each specializing in different dishes — from pasta and steak to pizza, lampredotto, and desserts. When you’re ready, you line up at the stand of your choice, order, pay (cards are accepted everywhere), and wait while they prepare your dish fresh and in front of you.

There’s no central cashier — you pay at each individual stand. You’re free to grab a seat at any of the shared tables around the hall, or head upstairs to the terrace, which offers a view of the market below. Drinks are the only items served at your table — just sit down and a server will come by to take your beverage order.

The space is casual and welcoming, but it can get crowded during peak hours. For fewer lines and a more relaxed experience, consider arriving a bit later in the afternoon. Weekdays are usually better than weekends.

What You Must Try at the Mercato Centrale

What to Skip at the Mercato Centrale

Not everything at the Mercato Centrale is worth your appetite. While some stands serve outstanding, high-quality food, others feel more tourist-focused, overpriced, or just not authentic.

Rule of Thumb: Skip anything that doesn’t look Florentine or seems pre-cooked — you can usually spot it. The best dishes are the ones made fresh, with pride and local tradition behind them.

Reading reviews before choosing where to eat can truly make the difference between a memorable Tuscan meal and something you’ll instantly forget (or regret).