5 Mistakes to Avoid in Florence
To be fair, I never thought I would end up living so close to Florence. But life brought me here, and I love it. Since we are a one-hour drive from the magical Renaissance capital, I try to get there as often as I can. And with every visit, I learn something new.
Not every lesson comes from a fun experience. Not only once did I regret not doing more research before the trip. But you’re lucky! You don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.
I have covered five mistakes for you to avoid in Florence! Because not everyone has the luxury of visiting the city as often as I did. And because I know how important it is to have a great vacation.
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5 mistakes to avoid in Florence
Avoid driving in the city
And if you do rent a car or drive from another Tuscan city, choose the best parking option.
Driving in Florence might sound like a fun Italian adventure, but trust me – it’s more stress than scenic.
The city center is a maze of narrow one-way streets, packed with pedestrians, scooters, and locals who drive like they’re in a race.
Add in ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas with cameras ready to fine you for simply entering), limited parking, and confusing signage, and it’s a recipe for frustration.
Florence is incredibly walkable, and public transport or taxis can get you where you need to go without the headache.
Your best bet? Park the car outside the city and enjoy the beauty on foot.
Here are 2 of our favorite parking areas:
Parking Florence – we parked here on several occasions and always walked to the city center. It is an easy, downhill, 25-minute walk. We did it with a baby stroller all the way down and up again. The hourly rate is very affordable, and there is a bus stop right in front of the exit. However, we waited for the bus for one hour without any luck. Maybe you are luckier than we were.
Villa Costanza Parking – This is our new favorite parking spot. It is connected to the highway and a tram line that will take you to the city center. It doesn’t get easier than this!
Both parking options have very affordable rates, as compared to those in the city center. Additionally, you won’t risk being fined for crossing any ZTL.
Another thing to remember is you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket for public transportation in Tuscany. You can pay by phone or by card directly on the bus.
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Don’t wait in line for the popular places
If you’ve researched social media, I’m sure you saw at least a few of these popular places in Florence.
I’m discussing places like the Antico Vinaio, Ditta Artigianale, or Vivoli Cafe.
Of course, they are popular for a reason. But that comes with huge lines and waiting times.
I’m not saying you should not go there, after all, we tried them all ourselves. But I’m saying there is a way you can avoid waiting time while waiting in line.
Go to these places instead of going to the popular branches:
- Skip the All’Antico Vinaio in Via dei Nervi and go to the one at the Santa Maria Novella Train station. There are actually two options there. It is still in the city center, so you won’t need to walk a lot.
- Instead of the Ditta Artigianale in Via dei Neri, try the ones in Via dello Sprone or Ditta Artigianale Mercato San Lorenzo.
- For Gelateria Vivoli, there is only the option in Via Isola delle Stinche, but I read they will open another one soon.
Don’t think you can buy tickets for important attractions once you are there
Waiting to buy tickets in Florence is basically an invitation to spend your vacation in line.
Top attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (hello, Michelangelo’s David), and Brunelleschi’s Dome get booked up fast, especially in peak season.
If you wait until you’re there, you might face hours-long lines or find them completely sold out for the day (or even the week).
True story: we had a friend visiting us last year in May. She wanted to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, but waited until the last week to book the ticket. There were no tickets available for the whole week!
Booking ahead means you skip the stress, save time, and actually enjoy what you came to see.
More art, less waiting. Sounds like a better plan, right?
Check availability and book your tickets here:
Skipping reservations for popular restaurants
Food in Florence is delicious, but you might want to skip the places where people try to pull you in. It doesn’t mean food is bad, but the popular restaurants don’t need that kind of marketing.
Here are a few restaurants you will want to book a table for when visiting Florence:
Trattoria Cammillo
Borgo San Jacopo, 57/r
A beloved classic with a cozy vibe and a menu that balances Florentine tradition with a few surprises. Try the fried zucchini flowers or the pasta with white truffle when it’s in season.
La Giostra
Borgo Pinti, 10/18 R
Romantic, candlelit, and full of charm—this spot is known for its pear and pecorino ravioli and melt-in-your-mouth bistecca alla Fiorentina. Bonus: they usually greet you with a glass of prosecco.
Trattoria Sostanza
Via del Porcellana, 25/r
A no-frills, old-school spot famous for the butter chicken (yes, it’s a thing and yes, it’s incredible). Reservations are a must—it’s small and always packed with regulars and food lovers in the know.
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Via dei Magazzini, 3/r
Tiny, family-run, and big on flavor. No pizza, no fancy frills—just excellent, home-style Tuscan cooking. It’s steps from the Uffizi, but it feels like a secret.
Buca Lapi
Via del Trebbio, 1r
Set in a former wine cellar beneath the Palazzo Antinori, this is one of Florence’s oldest restaurants and a go-to for the ultimate bistecca. Classic atmosphere, white tablecloths, and serious steak.
L’antica pizzeria da Michele Firenze
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 22R
If you want to try an authentic Neapolitan pizza, and if you’ve seen/read “Eat, Pray, Love”.
Don’t try to see it all in one day
Even if you want to, it is impossible. Staying in Florence only for one day will give you a taste of something worth experiencing for longer. You’ll catch a glimpse of greatness, but miss the real magic.
There is always something left to discover, no matter how many times we go back.
Florence isn’t just a checklist of art and churches. It’s also made for strolling, sipping, and soaking everything.
Sure, you can check off the Duomo, wave at David, and hustle through the Uffizi in a single day… but you’ll miss the slow strolls along the Arno, the hidden wine windows, the quiet cloisters, and that golden hour glow from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence is a city best savored – gelato in hand, with time to wander, sip, and soak it all in. Rushing through it? That’s not the vibe.
PIN FOR LATER!
