Florence, Italy

• Florence is compact enough to walk across the historic center in 30 minutes, which makes it easy to see the main sights quickly. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi are all close together. Most people in tourist areas speak English, though you'll get better service if you learn a few Italian phrases.
• There's a large expat community here - around 100,000 people - so eating alone at restaurants is normal. You'll see it everywhere, especially in neighborhoods like Santo Spirito and San Frediano. One thing to know: Italians dress up even for casual occasions. Leave the gym clothes at your hotel or you'll stand out.
• The city ranks first in Italy for pickpocketing. Watch your phone and wallet on buses and in crowded spots like San Lorenzo Market. That said, there's heavy police presence in the historic center and the streets are well-lit, so walking around at night generally feels safe.
• South of the Arno River, the Oltrarno area has artisan workshops, good restaurants, and nightlife that runs until midnight on weekends. The streets stay busy and well-lit with regular police patrols.

Italian is the main language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, major hotels, restaurants in central areas, and by younger people. The emergency service (112) has English-speaking operators. Tourist police stations have English-speaking staff. In local neighborhoods like San Frediano, less English is spoken but people are generally helpful.

• Italians dress well even casually. Athletic wear makes you stand out as a tourist. For churches, you need covered shoulders and knees - a scarf won't cut it, you need actual sleeves. Bring a cardigan in summer.
• Tipping isn't expected the way it is in the US. Leave €1-2 per person at restaurants if you want, or just round up. The 'coperto' charge (€1.50-3) is legal and covers bread and table service - you can't refuse to pay it.
• Dinner starts at 8-9pm. If you're hungry earlier, aperitivo around 7pm is what locals do. Most restaurants won't even open for dinner before 8pm. Lunch runs 12-2pm. Museums and attractions often close on Mondays.
• Many places prefer cash for purchases under €10. An espresso costs around €1.50, so keep small change handy. Book major attractions online ahead of time, especially in peak season. Outside tourist areas, very few people speak English - learn 'ciao', 'grazie', 'per favore', 'scusi' at minimum.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Universal Emergency: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The historic center is small enough to walk everywhere. Most attractions are 20-30 minutes apart on foot. The cobblestone streets will wear on your feet though, so bring comfortable shoes.
• Public buses run through Autolinee Toscane and trams through GEST. A ticket costs around €1.50 and lasts 90 minutes with transfers. You have to buy tickets before boarding - get them at tobacco shops, newsstands, or through the 'ATAF & Li-nea' app. If you don't validate your ticket, you'll get fined.
• Pickpocketing happens on crowded buses and trams. The T1 line at Strozzi-Fallaci stop has a particularly bad reputation for theft. The T2 tram goes from the airport to the city center and is cheaper than a taxi. There's also Taxi Rosa (+39 055 439 000), which gives women a 10% discount and priority service between 10pm-4am.
• Rush hour is when most pickpocketing occurs on buses, so avoid those times if you can. For getting around at night, use official taxis or ride-sharing apps, not unmarked cars. The historic center is well-lit and walking feels safe even after dark.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Florence with local guides and curated experiences.