by Camryn Samuel
With all the excitement Florence has to offer, it is easy to get confused about where to start. Whether you are looking for a calm, comfortable start or an exciting, experience-filled beginning to your trip, we have recommendations to fit your ideal first day.
Arrival and Transport
Similar to most city airports, Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence is on the outskirts of the city, presenting the challenge of finding transportation to the city center. There are three options for arriving in Florence.
The first option is taking the tram, specifically the T2 Line Tramway. This route is fast and affordable, with about a 20-minute ride for €1.70. This tram runs every 5-10 minutes from 5 AM until half an hour past midnight. To use the tram, walk two minutes from the Arrivals/Departures terminal at the “Peretola-Aeroporto” stop. Tickets can be purchased inside the terminal and on the tram with a card, cash, and ApplePay. When it comes to luggage, bags are allowed onboard if they weigh less than 20 kg (44 lbs) and are smaller than 80 x 45 x 35 cm. Bags weighing less than 10 kg (22 lbs) with dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm are also allowed free of charge.
For a quicker and more comfortable option, you can also book a taxi. There are two taxi service companies in Florence - Taxi4242 and Taxi4390. Both companies operate at the airport, and taxis can be requested or booked by phone call or text. Taxi4242 also has an app under its company name, where you can book a taxi and receive information from the driver. For any taxi, there is a pre-established fare of €22 for a ride between the airport and the central areas of Florence. However, extra costs could apply for luggage or night and holiday fares.
If you are looking to travel like a local, the last option is renting a car. A shuttle service at the airport will drive you to Via Palagio degli Spini, where the car rental companies are located. This shuttle runs every 20 minutes, and the stop is located inside the short-term car parking area outside the terminal. To rent a car in Italy, you will need a valid driver’s license and its translation into Italian, or an International Driving Permit and a valid passport. A national ID is acceptable instead of a passport for EU citizens. The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is 18, though some rental companies require a higher minimum age, such as 21. This method of transportation is more difficult than using the tram or a taxi, but it would be worth it if you plan on travelling outside the city and wish to experience scenic countryside drives. Be sure you understand Italy’s driving rules first.
First Things to Eat
You will notice immediately upon arrival that the dining culture in Italy is unlike any other. From cozy cafés to fine dining, Florence offers a wide variety of cuisine options. For a classic Italian dinner, we recommend finding a Florentine Steak. Known throughout Italy as one of the most exquisite steaks, the Florentine is a loin steak cooked on the bone and is distinguished by its thickness of 3-4 fingers. To best enjoy this speciality, pair it with the Negroni cocktail, which was also invented in Florence. This city is also filled with family-run restaurants, creating an inviting atmosphere, making these the perfect restaurants to experience a traditional Florence meal and begin your trip.
If you don’t have the appetite for a full meal after arriving, go for the classic Italian dessert - gelato. Invented in Florence during the Renaissance, the city has spent centuries perfecting this frozen treat. To determine high-quality gelato, find a Gelateria where the dessert is held in covered, stainless-steel tins called pozzetti, meaning “little wells”. These tins keep the gelato at a precise temperature to ensure the perfect texture. Gelaterias displaying mounds of colorful gelato are typically more focused on attracting tourists than creating good-quality gelato. After a long day of traveling, great gelato is the perfect treat to recharge before continuing your trip.
If you arrive around lunchtime, perhaps you’re interested in something more substantial than gelato and less filling than a steak. Luckily, Florence is known for its sandwiches due to our high-quality meats. One of the best examples of this specialty is the lampredotto. Also invented in Florence, this street food consists of slow-cooked, tenderized tripe boiled in vegetables and flavors, served on a roll, and topped with sauce. You can find these specialty sandwiches at traditional food stands throughout the city.
Sightseeing and Experiences
With Florence’s rich history and Renaissance influence, many museums and landmarks require a full day to explore. However, to begin your trip, Ponte Vecchio offers a gorgeous view of the city and a lively experience that doesn’t require too much time. This bridge was the only one in Florence not destroyed during World War II. Today, lined with dozens of jewelers and goldsmiths, it is a shopping paradise and the perfect location to begin a journey of beauty, art, and fashion.
For a more historic introduction, we also suggest visiting Piazza della Repubblica. This square is the center of Florence, distinguished by its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. It serves as a meeting point between three of Florence’s historic neighborhoods - San Giovanni, Santa Maria Novella, and Santo Spirito. Located at the intersection of main Roman roads, it holds centuries of history. Originally housing forums, temples, and public gathering places during the city’s foundation, it later transformed into Mercato Vecchio, or Old Market, during medieval times, making it a crucial commercial hub. Later, during Florence’s time as Italy’s capital, the square symbolized the city’s major urban transformation. Today, it is a bustling center filled with musicians playing music and children playing on the carousel, as well as a symbol of Florence’s growth throughout its history.
With history around every corner, a walking tour is an excellent way to explore the ancient streets of Florence. Accord Solutions offers walking tours throughout the city for an up-close, personal experience. With expert guides and audio guides available in over 15 languages, you can truly discover Florence’s charm. Check out our walking tour themes, including the Best of Florence, Murder Mystery, and Medieval Florence.
