"Fiorenza" Florence by kenadams

Florence Travel Guide: 6,206 reviews and 10,787 photos

Florence was founded in 59 b.C. by the Romans: veterans of Julius Cesar's campaigns settled in the new city. It took Florence more than a millenium to rise from anonimity to become a nationally, and then internationally recognized city. By the end of the XIII century the economy and the cultural thrust of the city made it one of the capitals of the world, and by the xv century it had become probably the most splendid city in the world, its importance matched in Europe only by Rome and Venice. One would probably have had to travel all the way to the Middle and Far East to find such splendor as that produced by the Italian Renaissance.
Little has changed in Florence since those glorious times: in the XIX century, shortly after Italian indipendence, Florence was briefly the capitol city of Italy before Rome was conquered by the royal forces and turned into the capital.

Getting to Florence

The past ten years have seen a significant improvement in transportation to Florence: in the early 90s most major European airlines started serving the small Amerigo Vespucci airport from their hubs all over the continent: with the notable exceptions of British Airways and Iberia, flights to Florence are available from any major European carrier.
The recent expansion of lowcost airlines has made air travel to Florence (via Pisa airport) accessible to all budgets. Click here to see what airlines serve Pisa Airport.
While all this was happening in the sky, the Italian railroad system developed its highspeed Eurostar network serving Florence from Naples, Rome, Bologna, Milan and Venice. Travel time from Rome to Florence is now down to about 90 minutes from what used to be three hours. On the other routes, speed hasn't improved as much because the lines haven't been upgraded to permit full performance to high speed trains.
Trenitalia has recently launched Trenok, a lowcost highspeed train connecting the cities of Rome, Florence, Bologna and Milan for just EUR 9 one way.
Check out my transportation tips for detailed accounts on how to reach Florence from the airport of your choice.

Intro Updated Jan 28, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (32)

A true tuscan experience Restaurants (11)

If you're up for a tuscan challenge, this is the place to be. Forget Il Cibreo and Enoteca Pinchiorri, with all their... more travel advice

Casa Palmira (source: www.emmeti.it) - Florence

Stefano & Assunta Hotels (2)

I never stayed here personally, but I know the place very well. Two of my best friends actually lived in this... more travel advice

Calcio Storico Off The Beaten Path (3)

Once a year, in late June/early July, the city of Florence celebrates Saint Giovanni. There is a parade and, most... more travel advice

Market and church. Things to Do (2)

A crowded square, a market (not much to buy), a nice church. One of the busiest places in Florence. more travel advice

Nightlife (7)
See All Live music 1
Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Pickpockets everywhere!
Been to Florence?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (1)

Written Sep 16, 2004

8 photos

Florence - June 24th parade

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (12)

JessH Apr 14, 2008 at 12:30 AM Report Abuse

Hello Daniel. Am planning a trip to Florence next year in atumn, and I really enjoyed reading your tips. Greetings from the desert / Jess in Dubai :-)
Maurizioago Sep 1, 2006 at 9:33 AM Report Abuse

Spero di venire a Firenze presto. Ciao!
matcrazy1 Jul 1, 2005 at 4:39 PM Report Abuse

Great page on great city (my favourite in Italy!).
shirez Jun 1, 2005 at 7:46 AM Report Abuse

for you for fun: http://dict.sztaki.hu/english-hungarian (learn some words for the 2006 sziget fest!;-) )
tabatha May 17, 2005 at 7:19 AM Report Abuse

Santo Spirito is my place :)
susiederkins Apr 20, 2005 at 3:53 AM Report Abuse

Wow, good tips! I'm heading to Florence in September. As my heart is mostly in the eating, I like your restaurant tips. You seem to have the same criteria for judging restaurants as me and my boyfriend. I look forward to trying your recommendations!
Tijavi Oct 10, 2004 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Great, useful tips, especially the ones on transportation. Thanks!
yelli Sep 8, 2004 at 9:22 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for leaving a comment on my home page! I'm so jealous of your traveling at your age! And your hometown of course, I hope I will go there one day. Ah yes, and I like the Duomo angel tip!
mapakettle Sep 6, 2004 at 10:03 PM Report Abuse

Daniel, great tips. We're not club goers, but have often walked that strip from the railway station, keep on the sunny side... so simple, so smart. Thanks, Pa
AliasGirl Aug 25, 2004 at 2:41 PM Report Abuse

I am heading to Florence in October, so I appreciate your tips! Thanks