Travel Tips

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WHEN TO VISIT

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THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Make use of the Tourist Information Offices to find out what’s going on around the city. These offices are staffed by qualified, multilingual personnel who provide general information and specifics about local happenings, art and cultural exhibitions and the city’s museums.

Tourist Information locations and hours:

 In Peretola Airport Monday to Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm

In front of SMN Station Monday to Saturday: 9am – 7 pm Sundays: 9am – 2 pm

Near the Duomo Monday to Saturday: 9 am – 7 pm Sundays: 9 am – 2 pm

On Via Cavour, 1r Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm Sundays closed

On Borgo La Croce, 29r Monday to Saturday: 9 am – 7 pm Sundays: 9 am – 2 pm

NB: Florence’s state museums are closed on most (not all) Mondays. Check before you go!

Bring photocopies of your passport, credit cards etc. This will make it easier to file a report for a replacement should you lose them. DON’T lose them. It can be a major hassle and waste of your vacation time. You can find ATM and cash machines throughout the city. Most banks won’t exchange cash or traveler’s checks and exchange booths take a hefty commission. A couple of exceptions are the post office or “Saturnia Travel” which is just around the corner from the hotel.

Planning 

To plan your visit and prioritize your options, visit Florence’s official website with more than 2.000 pictures & detailed descriptions showcasing 72 museums. Florence is also an open air museum so make sure to take time for an evening stroll along the Arno River and in the historic city center for a taste of old world charm, medieval architecture and spectacular views.

Here’s some information and advice to help you get the most out of your visit to Florence. During your stay at the Hotel Il Bargellino, we will be happy to assist you with information about local sights, restaurants and/or museum bookings.

Getting Here

By Car – You can reach Florence and the hotel from the A1 motorway (Milan-Rome). Coming from Milan, take the exit “Firenze Nord”, coming from Rome take the exit “Firenze Sud”, then follow the signs for “CENTRO” (town center). Make sure to ask about ZTL or limited traffic areas first. Fines are hefty if you make a mistake, but a public garage can get you off the hook.
By Train – Florence can be easily reached by train.  Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station in Florence is the most convenient to the hotel and to Florence’s historic center.
By Plane – Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport is only a few miles away from downtown Florence. Florence airport and central train station are connected by a tram and the shuttle bus leaves every half an hour (5:00 AM to 11.30 PM). Taxis have a flat rate to locations in the center and are very convenient.

 Types of Transportation

Trains and coaches are popular for longer distances or for visiting Florence’s surrounding areas.

There’s a tram and there are plenty of local city buses.

Taxi are available (call +39-055-4242 or 055 4390); although most people find that walking is the easiest way to get around the city center.

Banking and Money

The local currency is Euro, it’s a good idea to have some with you when you arrive. Later you’ll find plenty of ATM’s throughout the EU. Advise your home bank that you’ll be traveling in Europe to avoid problems using your credit and debit cards.

Internet Access

We offer free, high-speed wireless internet connection in rooms and all areas of the hotel.

Shopping

There’s fantastic shopping in Florence. The central and San Lorenzo Markets are just around the corner. For antiques, wander down Via Maggio. For lovely precious stones and 18Kt. gold jewelry there’s Ponte Vecchio. Via dei Tornabuoni is the place to shop for top of the line, high fashion designer names like Gucci, Armani, Versace etc. are all represented here.

Dining

There are hundreds of amazing restaurants serving delicious Tuscan and international fare, delicious desserts and excellent wines! See a few of our recommendations on the Eat & Drinkpage of our website or ask us for recommendations when you arrive.

Chianti & Tuscany

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and nearby Chianti is the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Visit his area for wonderful local wines and some of the most wonderful food you can find in Italy, as well as beautiful scenery, attractions, and a rich cultural heritage. All the most enchanting medieval villages of the Tuscan countryside are easily reachable from Florence by train or bus on your own or join a tour for an unforgettable adventure.