Flight to Florence (FLR)

Flying to Florence: tips and information for your trip

Picturesque hamlets, hundreds of masterpieces, fascinating stories, fine cuisine, outstanding wines… Stop daydreaming about beautiful Tuscany and book your flight to Florence now! With Brussels Airlines you can find cheap flights to Florence, departing from Brussels or other airports in Europe, Africa, North America or Asia.

World-famous for its many monuments, Florence is one big open-air museum. Celebrated as the cradle of the Renaissance, the city houses the works of famous artists, such as Botticeli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Masterpieces can be admired all over the city, in museums, churches or simply by taking a stroll around the metropolis. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a map and start exploring wonderful Florence, or Firenze, as it’s known to Italians. And don’t forget to have an ice cream, or two, right here where the gelato was invented during the Renaissance. What an amazing era!

10 things to see in Florence:

1. Florence’s Cathedral, the Duomo, also known as Santa Maria del Fiore. This stunning colourful Gothic structure is dominated by a majestic 15th-century dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. For spectacular sights, climb the cupola or the annexed Giotto’s Bell Tower.
   
   
2. Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums, housing some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Masaccio, Botticelli, Raphael, Vasari, Titian, Caravaggio… Set aside a whole day for your visit, wear comfortable shoes and don’t let the queue outside discourage you. What you'll find inside the museum is food for your mind and soul, you won't regret it!
   
   
3. Galleria dell’Accademia, houses one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo’s David, and other impressive works from the Renaissance. If you cannot make it to the museum, you can still take a picture of the replica of David located in the Piazza della Signoria. But keep in mind that nothing compares to the original.
   
   
4. Ponte Vecchio, is one of the symbols of Florence and one of the most romantic spots in the city with its gorgeous view of the Arno river. The bridge connects the lively historic centre with the quieter districts on the other bank of the river. Definitely worth a picture!
   
   
5. Piazza della Signoria, a beautiful open square, dominated by the prominent 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio, is a symbol of the Florentine Republic and host to many astonishing statues, among them, the replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune. Palazzo Vecchio is so stunning that you will feel the urge to capture it, although you will soon realize, the palace is too big to fit in one picture!
6. San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio markets, two impressive food markets found in the centre of Florence, are where you will have the chance to experience the real Florentine feel, smell and taste. Outside the food market, you can continue shopping for leather goods and other souvenirs.
   
   
7. Piazzale Michelangelo, located in the Oltrarno district, offers magnificent panoramic views of the city. It’s the best place to enjoy sunsets. If you keep walking, you will reach the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, a stunning Romanesque church that stands atop one of the highest points in the city.
   
   
8. Boboli Gardens, more than a garden, more than a park, the Boboli Gardens are an open-air museum and one of the most elegant Italian style gardens. The site is the perfect antidote for those who are looking to escape the heat of the hot summer days. The gardens adjoin Palazzo Pitti, another landmark with yet another important museum (after a couple of days in Florence you will get used to be surrounded by works of art – watch out, it’s addictive!).
   
   
9. Church of Santa Maria del Carmine and Brancacci Chapel are a must-do on any artistic tour of Florence. Dive into the dramatic cycle of frescos by Masaccio and Masolino depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden.
   
   
10. Basilica di Santa Croce is the burial place for some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Gentile, Foscolo, and Rossini. The magnificent statue of Dante greets you at the entrance. Inside you will be surprised by beautiful crucifixes by Donatello and by Cimabue. Beware: the beauty of the place can be overwhelming. It is here that Stendhal first experienced what is known now as the Stendhal syndrome.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Amerigo Vespucci airport, just 4 km from the city centre. The airport is easily reachable from other Tuscan cities: 
  • San Giminiano: 59,9
  • Lucca: 65km
  • Siena: 68km
  • Pisa: 86km
  • Viareggio: 118km
    
    
• Currency: the currency of Italy is the euro. All major global credit and debit cards are accepted. ATM's (known in Italy as “Bancomat”) can be found anywhere both in big cities and small towns. Some restaurants, bars and markets only accept cash. It’s a good idea to always have some cash on you.
  
  
• Phone calls and Wi-fi: The country code for Italy is 0039. The city code for Florence is 055. The full city code, including the 0, must always be dialed, even when calling within Florence itself. The City of Florence provides free wi-fi access. Hotspots are located in all main squares of the historical centre and other locations. The free wi-fi connection is allowed for 2 hours per day and a maximum of 500 megabytes for each device. In addition, many cafés, restaurants and hotels offer Wi-Fi, though you often need a password.
  
  
• Electric sockets: Italy’s power supply is 220 volts. US and UK visitors, as well as tourist from other countries, will need a plug adapter to use their electrical devices.
  
  
• Travel information: Italy is a full Schengen member. Non-EU citizens need a valid passport and in some cases a visa. . Make sure that children travelling with you have their own passport or ID card.
  
  

Useful tips for Florence

Phrase Book

Florence is a touristic place. Therefore English, French and German are widely spoken. Nevertheless, knowing some basic phrases in Italian will always be useful and Italians will respond well to foreigners making effort to speak their language.

Say “Buongiorno” and “Arrivederci” when you enter and leave a café or a restaurant (avoid saying “Ciao”, that’s only used with close friends), “Grazie”(thank you) and “Per favore” (please) when you ask for something. Also useful in shops: “Quanto costa?” (How much?), in museums “Un biglietto per favore” (one ticket please) and in restaurants “Il conto per favore” (the check please).

Do’s and Dont’s

• Don’t imitate the Italian accent and pronounce “pizza, pasta and cappuccino” as if you were in a mafia movie. Italians are proud of their beautiful language and not everyone speaks like they're in The Godfather. Also don’t use your hands exaggeratedly while speaking. Speaking with gestures is a fine art that only Italians have mastered.
  
  
• Florentines (and Italians in general) stand at the bar to drink their coffee. First pay for it at the cash desk and then repeat your order to the waiter behind the bar. If you would like to sit down, you will have to pay more. Do not try to cheat by paying at the bar and then sitting at a table. This is really not appreciated!
  
  
• Never ever order a Florentine steak well done: you will insult the cook and ruin the taste of the meat. You'll eat your “Fiorentina” “al sangue” (bloody) and that’s it. In order to avoid further debates, on the door of several restaurants you will see this message “No well-done steaks”. Do you get the message?

Cultural events

Florence is a living city, with a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, great concert venues and a rich cultural agenda. Below you will find the main cultural events of the year, but any month is a good month to visit Florence.

• Carnevale di Viareggio: The Carnival of Viareggio is amongst the most renowned carnival celebrations in Europe.
  
  
• Scoppio del Carro: part of the Easter celebrations, this historical parade takes place every Easter Sunday.
  
  
• Maggio musicale fiorentino: annual arts festival, including the notable opera festival taking place every year during the month of May.
  
  
• Feast of St. John the Baptist: the 24th of June is a busy day packed with events from morning to evening ending with fireworks along the Arno river.
  
  
• Calcio storico fiorentino: lose yourself while watching combinations of soccer, rugby and wrestling originating from the 16th century and played in historical costumes. Matches take place in June and the final is played on the 24th June, Florence’s patron day.
  
  
• Estate fiorentina: from July to September, a full calendar of activities is offered in the city centre.
  
  
• Palio di Siena: twice a year (2 July and 16 August), Siena holds a traditional horse race originating from the Middle Ages.
  
  
• Rificolona: a paper lantern festival taking place in Piazza SS. Annunziata on 7 September.

When to go to Florence and what to pack?

Expect high temperatures in summer (over 30 degrees) and cold weather with occasional snowfall in winter. Spring and autumn can be rainy, but the weather is generally mild.

At any time of the year bring comfortable shoes. You will have to walk on sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Bring something classy for the evening – Italians do like to dress up when they go out in the evening.

While in winter you’ll just need a raincoat, in summer don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent (mosquitoes can be annoying when dining out in summer evenings). A swimsuit is also a must-have when visiting Italy in summer. Remember that when you visit churches, you must dress appropriately: shorts are not allowed for men and women need to cover their shoulders. Think about this when packing.