What Not to Do in Florence: Avoiding Common Tourist Mistakes
Florence isn’t just another travel destination—it’s the heart of the Italian Renaissance, a city where every street feels like stepping back in time. With that richness comes unique customs and common pitfalls that visitors may not expect. To help you get the most out of your trip, here’s a deeper look into what *not* to do in Florence, so you can experience this incredible city with respect, understanding, and, of course, enjoyment.
1. Don’t Expect to Book Famous Attractions Last-Minute
Florence is home to some of the world’s most sought-after art and historical sites, like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s *David*. During peak seasons, thousands of visitors flock to these spots daily. While some travelers might be used to walking in and buying tickets, Florence’s major sites don’t usually offer much flexibility with day-of tickets.
-Why It Matters: The Uffizi Gallery alone has over 2 million visitors annually. Florence’s compact layout means popular sites can become overwhelmingly crowded, and ticket slots fill up quickly. Booking Florence Tours and museums in advance ensures you have time to enjoy these masterpieces without the rush.
- Practical Tips: For the Uffizi and Accademia, book tickets weeks (even months) ahead during high season. If you miss out, consider smaller gems like the Bargello Museum or the Medici Chapels, which hold equally stunning collections but with fewer crowds.
- Extra Insight: Opting for an early or late entry ticket can give you a quieter, more intimate experience with Florence’s treasures. Some private tours even offer exclusive access, which is worth considering for those seeking a unique visit.
2. Avoid Dining Right by Major Landmarks
Florence’s dining scene can be heavenly, but to enjoy authentic Tuscan flavors, you’ll want to really look at the cafes and restaurant menus directly around landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria for heavy prices. These areas cater to high tourist traffic
- Why It Matters: Dining in Florence is an art form rooted in tradition and quality. The best local food spots aren’t where you’d expect. Restaurants near main attractions often prioritize convenience over quality, so you may pay more for less authentic food.
- What to Do Instead: Seek out neighborhoods like Oltrarno or Sant’Ambrogio, where locals dine. These areas are filled with trattorias and osterias that specialize in traditional dishes—think wild boar ragu, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and Florence handmade pasta.
- Insider Tip: Look for restaurants where the menu is only in Italian or visit places recommended by locals. Try Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio for a fantastic lunch experience where locals gather for fresh pasta, prosciutto, and cheeses.
3. Don’t Ignore Dress Codes in Churches
Florence’s churches are renowned for their art, architecture, and historical significance, housing works by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giotto. Visiting these spaces requires a level of respect for their spiritual significance, as well as their historical importance.
- Why It Matters: Churches like the Duomo and Santa Croce are still active places of worship. Florentines regard them with deep respect, and modest dress codes (covered shoulders and knees) are a matter of both tradition and reverence.
- What to Do: Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl in your day bag to cover up as needed. Many Italian churches also require men to remove hats inside.
- Extra Insight: Beyond respecting local customs, this small effort allows you to blend in more seamlessly with locals. Florence’s beauty is best appreciated when we engage with its traditions, not disrupt them.
4. Don’t Eat or Sit on the Steps of Historical Monuments
Florence’s public spaces are centuries old, and places like the steps of the Duomo or the Piazza della Signoria are not intended as picnic spots. Eating on these steps isn’t only frowned upon—it’s prohibited, with the potential for fines.
- Why It Matters: Florence works hard to preserve its historical sites, and sitting or eating on these monuments can damage them over time. Plus, occupying these areas can interfere with the appreciation and access of others, especially locals.
- Alternative Spots: Try nearby public parks or squares, like Piazza Santo Spirito, which welcomes gatherings, or the banks of the Arno for a scenic spot. If you’re craving a picnic, the Boboli Gardens offer plenty of space with a picturesque backdrop.
- Insider Knowledge: Fines for eating on historical steps can range up to €500. It’s a steep price to pay for a casual snack, so be mindful of local guidelines and enjoy meals where they’re meant to be enjoyed.
5. Don’t Forget to Validate Your Train Tickets
Italian regional trains, like those from Florence to Pisa or Siena, require travelers to validate tickets before boarding. Failing to do so could result in a fine, even if you’ve bought the ticket in advance. Validation machines are easy to spot, usually near the platforms in green or yellow colors.
- Why It Matters: Validating your ticket isn’t just a formality; it’s part of Italy’s train system regulations. This process ensures the ticket is timestamped, proving it’s used only for that journey. High-speed tickets don’t need this, but regional ones do.
- Practical Tip: For travelers new to Italy, watch other passengers, or ask a station attendant if you’re unsure. Validating is simple, but forgetting can lead to fines as high as €50, payable on the spot.
6. Avoid Buying Knock-Off Goods from Street Vendors
Florence is famous for its high-quality leather goods, but counterfeit bags and accessories are common in tourist areas. Not only is purchasing these items illegal, but it also takes business away from Florence’s artisan community.
- Why It Matters: Italy has strict laws against buying counterfeit goods, and the fines can reach hundreds of euros. Supporting authentic artisans not only provides you with a quality keepsake but also supports Florence’s economy and craftsmanship tradition.
- Where to Buy Authentic Goods: Visit shops near the leather markets or take a leather workshop tour. The City of Florence is known for its leather-making heritage, and purchasing from a reputable shop guarantees you’re buying something crafted with genuine skill.
7. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
Florence is a city that rewards slow exploration. While it’s tempting to pack in every museum and sight, overplanning can leave you exhausted and unable to fully enjoy the city’s magic.
- Why It Matters: Florence’s charm lies in its winding alleys, cozy cafes, and spontaneous moments. Rushing from sight to sight can mean missing out on the experiences that make travel truly memorable.
- What to Do Instead: Choose a few must-see spots each day, and leave room for wandering. Unplanned stops often lead to some of the best finds, like hidden art studios or intimate piazzas away from the crowds.
- Personal Insight: If you can, spend a few hours one morning simply walking without a map. Florence has an uncanny way of leading you to beauty without even trying.
8. Don’t Underestimate Walking Distances
While Florence’s city center is compact, it can still be challenging to navigate on foot, especially with its cobblestone streets. Comfortable shoes are essential, even if fashion is part of your travel style.
- Why It Matters: Navigating Florence on foot allows you to soak up its atmosphere, but sore feet can put a damper on your trip. The city’s uneven stone streets, while beautiful, are tough on the unprepared.
- Pro Tip: Consider a midday break to recharge. Head to a café for an espresso or gelato. Italians take breaks seriously—joining in lets you rest and experience the culture simultaneously.
9. Don’t Ignore Local Etiquette
In Florence, a bit of etiquette goes a long way. Italians value good manners and basic Italian phrases from visitors, especially those who try to engage with the culture.
- Why It Matters: Small gestures like saying “grazie” (thank you) and “buongiorno” (good morning) show respect and create goodwill. Being courteous can make locals more willing to help or offer insider tips.
- Local Tips: Don’t rush meals. Italians see eating as a time to enjoy and connect, not something to rush through. Wait for the server to bring the check—calling for it is seen as impatient in Italy.
- More on Etiquette: Handle cash respectfully, especially for small transactions, as many smaller shops still prefer cash. Having smaller bills also helps avoid inconveniencing vendors.
Final Thoughts
Florence’s beauty is in the details—the kind you notice when you slow down, stay curious, and respect its age-old customs. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only have a more rewarding experience, but you’ll also help preserve the culture and character of this remarkable city.
Let Florence surprise you. Let it teach you a new pace, a deeper appreciation for history, and a love for the little things. After all, Florence isn’t just a place to see; it’s a city to *feel*.
