Florence is a very walkable city. In fact, walking as much as possible is really the best way to see the city. Getting lost down the cobbled streets is one of the greatest thrills of a visit here as you’re never quite sure what majestic monument is waiting for you behind the next corner.

Of course, you won’t want to spend too long on your feet and thankfully Florence is well-equipped with efficient public transport systems that are cheap and frequent. The buses are run by ATAF, with over 60 lines in urban and suburban Florence. There is even a line of city centre buses, C1, C2, C3 and C4, that wind through the narrow streets of the centre.

Regular tickets can be bought at Tabacchi shops as well as anywhere with an ATAF sticker in the window like bars and cafès, and even some supermarkets. They can also be bought on board, for a premium price, or by texting ATAF to 4880105 from an Italian phone. ATAF paper tickets can also be used on the city’s tram lines and there are contactless options for credit, debit and prepaid cards on buses also.

The tram lines run in the northern, north east and south west areas with its main hub located at the Santa Maria Novella station.  The train services are also efficient and will bring you all over Italy. Again, make sure to validate your ticket by stamping it at one of the points around the station to avoid a fine.

Taxis are somewhat expensive in Florence, but you’re not short of options. A bicycle is also an excellent way to get around as Florence is a flat city. Make sure to lock up your bike well though and to check for verified places to leave your bike to avoid a fine. Pedestrians, might seem obvious, but make sure to look both ways as many cyclists don’t follow the one-way system!

While Florence is stunning all year round, the quietest time is January and the winters don’t get too cold here. For the mildest weather, March, April, October and November are great times to visit. The summer months will see more tourists, but a fuller line-up of events to attend so really you can’t go wrong! Because Florence is quite small, there’s not really a bad area to stay because everything is quite walkable or easily accessible by public transport. Check your accommodation has air conditioning if visiting during the summer as you’ll be sure to need it!

A quick coffee and a cornetto is the typical Italian breakfast, often taken while standing up and then heading off to start the day. A hefty lunch is standard, starting with a carb-heavy pasta dish followed by meat or fish and that will tide you over until the evening time as dinner is usually after 8pm with many restaurants not even open until that time.

If you’re in need of some sustenance in the meantime, aperitivo is one of the best things about Italian culture. A drink with some nibbles will be served in all the bars in the city with offerings varying from a few nuts to a full spread buffet. Enjoy your aperitivo al fresco while people-watching and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere of Florence. 

Pizza and Pasta are prerequisites on any trip to Italy, but don’t neglect the Florentine specialities that will bring you far beyond the expected. An absolute must is bistecca alla Fiorentina, the Florentine steak that is rich and delicious. Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup made with bread and vegetables, is a hearty and comforting dish you have to try. Lampredotto, a typical street food, is part of a cow’s stomach often eaten in a sandwich and washed down with a glass of chianti, just like the locals do!

Tuscan-style crostini are another delight awaiting you on your trip to Florence, they’re the perfect appetiser and something you’ll be sure to want to recreate once you return home. Of course, meats and cheeses are done especially well in Tuscany too so try as many as you can! For those with a sweet tooth, cantuccini (almond biscuits) are divine dipped in a glass of vin Santo, a typical sweet wine. Take your time while dining, good food deserves the time to appreciate it! 

Do yourself a favour and pre-book your museums. Waiting for hours in a queue in the stiff heat of the summer is no one's idea of a fun time! With visitors from all over the world flocking to Florence for the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and for Michelangelo’s David, get ahead by buying your tickets now and ensuring you won’t miss out on these must-sees. A guided tour is also a great idea as you’re sure to maximise your time in front of these masterpieces and gives you an enhanced experience with these wondrous creations. 

Florence is renowned for its leather goods. Whether you’re in the market for a jacket, handbag or wallet, you’re spoiled for choice. Things to ensure are that its Italian leather that was made in Italy. The San Lorenzo market offers quite the array or you could head a little further out to one of the leather factories near the city. Keep in mind that many vendors will only accept cash so have some on hand at all times. Many centrally-based shops don’t take the traditional 1-4pm siesta, but you might find shops closed during those hours anywhere outside the historic centre. The late opening hours and the cool breeze of the evening can often be the nicest time to shop. 

Churches and cathedrals ask that visitors be dressed appropriately, so shorts and flip flops might mean you are turned away. If planning to take in the religious sites, plan ahead and have the right clothes ready. 

Florence sits in its valley and the temptation can be to spend your time wandering its streets in awe at all the splendor and beauty, but there is much more awaiting you in the hills surrounding it and just beyond its confines. Fiesole is one such beauty you’ll be glad you took the time to visit. Truffle hunting is another Florentine experience that will give you lasting memories also and visiting a vineyard is a privilege and a thrill. 

An experience like no other is watching the sunset (or indeed sunrise) over the city. There are some truly magical places from which to witness the amazing spectacle, the best of which are from San Miniato al Monte or Piazzale Michelangelo. Crowds gather to take in the amazing panorama with a postcard view of the city and a photograph you’re sure to want framed. 

With all these elements looked after, there’s only one thing left to do. Enjoy your trip!