Neighbourhoods
Oltrarno
Across the river, artisan workshops, fewer tourists.
Santa Croce
Central, lively, good food density.
Things to do
Uffizi Gallery, pre-booked timed entry
Book weeks ahead in high season — walk-up lines can run 2+ hours.
Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset
The best skyline view of the city, and free — arrive 45 minutes before sunset for a spot.
Oltrarno artisan workshops
Leatherworkers and framers still working in the open — genuinely worth a slow wander, not just a shopping stop.
Eating & drinking
Any Bistecca alla Fiorentina spot in Santa Croce
A massive, simply grilled steak meant for sharing — order it medium-rare, that's how it's meant to be served.
Day trips
Local logistics
City-specific transport and safety notes — for country-wide context, see the Italy guide.
Entirely walkable — the historic center is compact enough that a car actively works against you (and is restricted by ZTL anyway).
Very safe; no notable areas of concern.
Pacing & budget
Pacing: 3 days covers the core sights; add a day for a Tuscan countryside trip.
Budget: Comparable to Rome; runs above the Italian national mid-range average.
Visa, money, culture & transport for all of Italy
Currency, key phrases, getting around by train, and everything that applies to your whole trip — not just Florence.