Florence has a wealth of cultural and natural gems to discover. A smart approach is to plan your visit in advance so that you can best enjoy it all, spending less time in lines and crowds. Here are our top tips for experiencing the culture of Florence.

Decide what you want to see and do by finding information on Florence’s official tourism websites Feel Florence, Destination Florence and Visit Tuscany. Planning in advance is the best way to avoid disappointment. For example, you’ll learn that many – but not all – museums are closed on Mondays, which isn’t information you would want to leave until the last minute. So, let’s plan in advance!

If museums are your thing, the three-day Firenzecard is for you! In 2024, the free Firenzecard Restart extends the card for an additional 48 hours. It is the only official museum card for the City of Florence and it includes a range of heritage sites. The website and app are also a great source of information to help plan your trip.

You’ll probably want to see Florence’s most famous works of art at the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, so make your life easy by reserving entry times on the official websites (see links below). Choose off-peak times, if possible, to avoid crowds. As visiting these museums may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, read up on what you’ll be seeing in advance and impress your family and friends with your knowledge.

We also recommend exploring sites related to your personal interests away from the crowds. For example, did you know there are museums dedicated to cycling and soccer, impressive Medici villas (that are UNESCO sites) outside the city center, botanical gardens, house museums and a Dante Museum for literature lovers? Not to mention nearly 100 churches, the smaller ones providing quiet (and cool!) spaces for reflection.

If you look beyond the sea of terracotta roofs that make up the city, you’ll also notice that Florence is surrounded by lush hills. Grab a bike or hop on a bus to explore beyond the historic center and enjoy the green spaces.

Finally, the last very important piece of advice for every prudent traveler: in order to have a truly peaceful experience, be wary of those trying to sell you “unmissable” deals outside of authorized vendors, such as tickets to museums, attractions, or transportation. Do not believe ads for beautiful accommodation at rock-bottom prices in exclusive locations in the city. Do not trust those using unauthorized tour guides or those proposing you to try your luck with card tricks. Unfortunately, just like in many tourist cities, there are some ill-intentioned individuals in Florence. However, by paying attention and carefully planning your trip, you can have an experience that meets your expectations.