Florence’s historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not much more than 5 km² (532 hectares) in surface area, extending beyond the city walls to include the hill of San Miniato and Piazzale Michelangelo. By comparison, Venice’s historic center is 7km² and Rome’s is 14. Many of the major attractions in Florence are concentrated into an even smaller area, making the city very walkable.

Using a bike is sometimes the fastest and most environmentally friendly way to get around Florence, especially to reach the residential areas just beyond the ring roads. At the tourist information centers, pick up the #Firenzeinbici map of Florence’s 120km of bike paths, which include the beautiful green cycling route along the Arno River. The map also lists information about the “Bicipolitana” project that maps the safest, traffic-free routes.

If you need a bike, use bike sharing! Download the free RideMovi app and hop on one of their orange free-flow Mobikes. Similarly, free-flow electric foot scooters can be found around town; if using them, remember that a helmet is obligatory for minors. In both cases, please respect the direction of traffic and be careful of pedestrians. When parking, politely use designated spots and don’t block pedestrian or other traffic.

Florence has a public transport system including buses and trams. One of the tramlines conveniently connects Florence’s Peretola Airport and the (central) Santa Maria Novella train station. All buses and trams use a trust system that requires you to purchase a ticket and validate it immediately when boarding; there are often ticket checks and hefty fines for those who haven’t paid. Paper tickets can be purchased at “tabacchi” shops indicated by a big “T” sign or at newsagents, and must be validated using the machine as soon as you board. You can also use the Autolinee Toscane (AT) app to buy tickets before you board, which have to be activated digitally. Finally, the new “Tip Tap” system allows you to use any contactless credit card to pay as you board the vehicle; please note that only one credit card can be used per passenger.

If you have to reach Florence by car, we suggest you park it at the edge of the city and get around on foot, by bike or public transport for the rest of the day! This is because much of the historic center is protected by a limited traffic zone called “ZTL”. If you see a red sign that says “ZTL Closed”, do not enter or you will receive a fine in the mail! Hotels and private parking lots inside the ZTL may issue a pass to enter.

Finally, if you need to get somewhere fast or too far away, take a taxi. Taxis cannot be hailed on the street, but are picked up at stands around the center, called by phone (at one of two numbers: +39 0554390 or +39 0554242) or using the app AppTaxi. You’ll be happy to know that over 50% of taxis in Florence are either electric or hybrid!