Tourist Offices -- The most convenient tourist office is at Via Cavour 1R (www.firenzeturismo.it; [tel] 055-290-832), 2 blocks north of the Duomo. The office is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Its free map is quite adequate for navigation purposes—no need to upgrade to a paid-for version.
The train station’s nearest tourist office ([tel] 055-212-245) is opposite the terminus at Piazza della Stazione 4. With your back to the tracks, take the left exit, cross onto the concrete median, and bear right; it’s across the busy road junction about 30m (35 y) ahead. The office is usually open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 7pm (sometimes only to 2pm in winter) and Sunday 9am to 2pm. This office gets crowded; unless you’re really lost, press onward to the Via Cavour office.
Another helpful office is under the Loggia del Bigallo on the corner of Piazza San Giovanni and Via dei Calzaiuoli ([tel] 055-288-496); it’s open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 7pm (often 5pm mid-Nov through Feb) and Sunday 9am to 2pm. There is also an information office at airport arrivals ([tel] 055-315-874), open on the same timetable.
Websites -- The official Florence information website, www.firenzeturismo.it, contains a wealth of reasonably up-to-date information on Florence and its province. At www.firenzeturismo.it/monumenti-musei-firenze you’ll find links to downloadable PDFs with the latest opening hours for all the major city sights. The best-informed city blogs are written in Italian by locals: Io Amo Firenze (www.ioamofirenze.it) is handy for reviews of the latest eating, drinking, and events in town. For one-off exhibitions and cultural events, Art Trav (www.arttrav.com) is an essential bookmark. For regularly updated Florence info, go to www.frommers.com/destinations/florence. Also see “Entertainment & Nightlife,”.
Stamp Your Ticket
Remember, if you're leaving Florence on the train, stamp your ticket in the yellow box at the start of the platform before getting on the train. You're liable for an on-the-spot fine if you travel without a ticket validated in this way.
Florence's "City Code"
What used to be Florence's city code -- 055 -- is now an integral part of every phone number. Always dial it (including the initial zero, even from overseas), even when calling to another number from within Florence itself.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
