Discover Florence

Come for IUMS, stay for Florence!

Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.

Getting around Florence

The best way to get around Florence is on foot. In fact, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes, passing many recognizable sites along the way. Hopping aboard an ATAF bus is another option.

It is important to know that Florence’s main historic center is small so that it is easy to move around on foot. Using a car around Florence is not advisable, as there is little parking, many streets are pedestrian only and streets are often one-way.

Make sure to ask for a map of Florence at one of the five tourist information offices so you can plan your movements around the city. Many hotels also offer publications with their own maps, in case you can’t get to the tourist offices right away.

Driving in Florence

If you are considering driving in Florence, here is everything you need to know about the ZTL zone in Florence, the much-feared restricted traffic areas you find in many Italian cities. Where are the boundaries, who can enter, when? Continue reading for more details.Read more Parking

Public Transportation

Read more about the practical details on using Florence’s public transportation system and buses to visit nearby areas.Buses & trams

Taxis

Details on how taxis work in Florence and Italy in general. For example, taxis cannot be hailed on the street like in another major cities of the world. You need to either call one or go to specifically marked “taxi stops” to pick one up.Read more

Biking in Florence

General information for moving around Florence with a bike, motorbike or scooter.Read more

Things to do in Florence

Don’t miss out the amazing sites the Tuscany capital has to offer!

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is located in the former palace next to the Palazzo Vecchio. It is the most famous museum and Florence top attraction.

Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)

The Duomo of Florence is the landmark with which everyone associates Florence. It's certainly a not-to-be-missed site.

Palazzo Vecchio

For years the government of Florence took place in the Palazzo Vecchio. Even today the city council still resides here.

Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge

4. Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence's most famous bridge over the Arno. The bridge is best known for its shops

Accademia Gallery - Michelangelo's David

The Galleria dell’Accademia of Florence is an art school, where a large collection of sculptures is collected.

Boboli gardens

The Boboli gardens are located behind the Palazzo Pitti and can be called the most beautiful gardens in Florence.