The high season is during the summer and lasts from mid-May to July as well as September; this is a great time to enjoy the warm weather and attend festivals but it'll also be very busy, and you can get much cheaper flights if you travel during the low season. is there a particular area or neighborhood that is better/safer than others? Follow along on Instagram, 3. Because you can do many activities outside, Italy is prefect to travel to at the moment. Cross-body bags, drawstring backpacks, and fanny packs arent just fashionable accessoriestheyre great travel staples to keep your stuff safe! Updated: Dec, Read More Hiking Cinque Terre: 2023 Trail Tips & ItineraryContinue, Personally, I think September in Italy is one of the best times for visitors. On March 31st, 2022, the end of the state of emergency from COVID-19 was declared throughout Italy. I just hope that we know in advance enough to not give our hopes up. My interpretation of the Covid rules say we will have to quarantine in Venice for 5 days. Like everywhere else in Italy, drinking coffee standing up at a bar in Florence will cost you less than sitting at a table. Since I landed in Italy, I didnt see any advice or signals about Covid measures or how to behave in public spaces. Everyone follows the current restrictions, and some people even wear masks outdoors though its not mandatory. No test or vax cards. Taxis are also quite expensive and do not usually accept credit cards or debit cards, so you'll need to have cash with you. Florence is incredibly safe, with few to no cases of violent crime being reported. I would expect that might be published in a bit further in the future. Particularly in Venice, they want visitors who travel slow, who are respectful, and who interact with the community. This. . Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? For vaccinated travelers, being able to travel is more likely this Fall but nothings guaranteed as things continue to change quickly with this delta variant. Those seeking to blitz through the citys extraordinary museums, art galleries and historic monuments, for example, should plan a winter trip when museums are at their emptiest while festival fans keen to dance the night away in a park or piazza will want to visit in late spring or summer. Everything takes a bit more preparation than you might be used to in Italy, too. Italian bureaucracy may be a pain, and Italian police arent required to speak English, but keep calm and use a translator app to get by. We experienced Italy in its worst moment, and its so good and heartwarming to see life back to what it was before the pandemic.. We personally didnt see many people using these and no minimum space was needed. As of June 2022, all travelers, including US citizens are no longer required to show a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon arrival to Italy. Italians are still taking things pretty serious, regarding masks, etc.. Its easy to get tested in Italy there are private clinics and you can also get tested in pharmacies. News of the new variants of the virus have particularly made people more alert. Dont get us wrong, Florence is a great city for solo travel! Thanks. This reflects also in services opening times that change unexpectedly and often forget to update their websites or search engines. I would say, if someone is traveling soon, be respectful and be overprepared. Expats moving to Florence can rest assured that no matter where they choose to live in the city, they will be safe walking the streets day and night. Tourists are very much welcome in Rome at the moment although museums are requiring the green pass to enter. The most common crimes include pickpocketing and scams. Ill reword it to prevent future confusion. I am a US citizen and I planned for an Italian trip Sept 3-15. Thanks for visiting. The buddy systemit isnt just for field trips, 8. Florence is a safe city and there's no reason to be worried about visiting. Safety in Florence. A persistent person tries to stop you and ask for your signature. Commonly, the tourists that visit Gluttony and Greed are perpetuating the undeniable overtourism in Florence. Theres a curfew. Queues were long to many of the major sites. Use for your own peace of mind. Low Florence Temperatures (Celsius) Key High Average Low "Feels-Like" Temperatures The way we experience weather isn't all about temperature. 10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Florence Great info! All major tourist sites were open. Required fields are marked *. Thankfully, the answer is a big YES. What should you pack for safely traveling in Italy? Many visitors are afraid of visiting Florence because they expect high prices. I have seen reports of recent travelers rerouting flights to avoid the UK for this reason. Right as you take off, check to see that the meter is running so that the taxi driver cannot overcharge you. If you're a woman traveling alone you should consult the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index. They offered both advance tickets and walk-up (usually wouldnt be possible due to large numbers of tourists in the summer, but with less tourists this year it was possible to purchase day-of tickets). Get our free Checklist for International Travel, plus other exclusive content about how to travel more, save money, and enjoy transformational experiences around the world. Tourists are eager to experience la dolce vita again! Thatll take some time to get used to again! Most visitors fly into Florence or Pisa airports, though both are a schlep from downtown. . Select the option Utente senza tessera sanitaria (User without a health card). 2 Days in Florence Itinerary (Tourist Guide) - Urban Abroad No one wears masks, and businesses are open as usual, including bars, restaurants, clubs, museums, and open-air markets. Not having to worry about traffic makes Florence doubly safe and frankly I can't think of any situation where your life would be in danger (besides drunkenly jumping from the Ponte . Thats why we want to help you travel confidently, safely, and responsibly. There are also a few ways to carry your items in a way to ward off pickpockets. Visits to restaurants typically start with the staff coming to the table to check your green pass (the Italian vaccination card). There are quite a few places for covid tests, and a PCR test for your flight back home will cost you about 70 Euros., November 30, 2021 Morgan Fielder, Crave the Planet, E.U. Everyone in Italy follows the rules, wearing masks wherever required and showing their vaccination card to access public places, restaurants, attractions, transportation and the like. See regional restrictions here and regional zone classificationshere. At Intentional Travelers, we believe travel can be transformational. Venice, Florence, Skye overtourism: How residents feel about - Euronews We didnt have to show any Covid documents, only passports.. To report a theft, youll need to file a denuncia di furto or smarrimento at the nearest polizia (police) or carabinieri (military police). People visiting Florence can spend their days strolling through art galleries or one of the city's 80 museums, or sightseeing at some of the fantastic churches that call the city home. And no proof of booster is required? As tourism runs rampant through the city, destinations such as these mimic the capitalistic air of America. You will need to continue with this process for the duration of your stay to enable travel within Italy and to access hospitality and leisure venues including bars, restaurants, museums, exhibitions, sporting events, fairs, civil or religious ceremonies and large events.. The use of masks can be discontinued with a proof of negative antigen or molecular test. We share the best time to visit Florence, when. Testing facilities with English-speaking doctors in Italy, Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid >, Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >, https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/. We have covered the free first Sunday opportunity previously on our blog, however, the colosseum now follows a different schedule. Many superb for families, backstage tours and activities organized by MUS.E in museums and medieval towers around the city are also best booked online before you leave home. Instead I showed my vaccination card, and it was asked for at every establishment. Hawaii . What is it like to visit Italy right now? No sporting event can truly prepare you for the spectacle of calcio storico in Florence. Kate, Im glad youve found our post helpful. Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go, Is Florence safe to visit? The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-famous museums and attractions. Yes, the train station area is a little seedy at night, so take usual precautions and you'll be fine. September 2020. This is where pickpocketing and petty fraud happen. Yes, many restaurants in Italy have outdoor seating. Expats should be aware of opportunists, as cases of pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur in tourist areas . Is a booster shot required for travel to Italy? You'll definitely be spending time here during your trip. The public transit services are easy and safe to use. You've asked the questions and Lonely Planet's team of experts has the answers: what you need to know for summer 2022. The buses and trams can be used to get from either the Pisa Airport or the Amerigo Vespucci International Airport to somewhere else in the city center, or from one district to another. I felt safe and all of the stores were open. But just these days our prime minister has announced to relax some of the strict coronavirus measures starting April 26. With it all changing so fast, maybe Im being overly-cautious? With its abundance of open-air Renaissance sculptures, marble statues and highly embellished historic fountains, the center of Florence is a giant (and glorious) outdoor museum. Today, many tourists come to Florence to see outstanding architecture and many original artworks made by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Giotto, Raffael, and many more. Thank you! Before you arrive, think carefully through what you hope to get out of your Florentine trip, and make sure your travel goals tally with the season. Duomo / Uffizi / Ponte Vecchio Area. We were surprised by this restriction. When heading to a specific destination, look up the directions before leaving your starting point. Florence is small and easy to navigate on foot, however, you must be very careful when walking. Still, wed advise avoiding the Santa Maria Novella area late at night when alone, as well as narrow dark alleys. but yummy) and Tuscan-style crostini. We are having a lay over at Heathrow Airport. Florence has its fair share of illegal street sellers flogging knock-off selfie sticks, smartphone power banks and chargers, ponchos and umbrellas (the second it rains), bottles of water and the like. If carrying a backpack, dont store valuables in the outer pockets that are easy to reach. You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants and attractions in Italy? After Rome we travelled to Florence for 2 days. Rebecca Ann Hughes, journalist permanent resident of Venice:Tourist numbers in Italy have been low all summer. Travel to Italy in January is now allowed for US citizens visiting for any reason, including tourism. You will be significantly better off making restaurant reservations as with Covid restrictions and social distancing availability for tables in popular tourist destinations may be limited., December 2021 Or of My Path in the World, Israeli traveler:I flew to Turin for a one week leisure trip in December 2021. If youre looking for one day cooking classes in Tuscany, then we have a great recommendation for you! Read next: 7 Things to Do in Florence . citizen: Tuscany was very opened to seeing travelers. For these reasons, it is a center of culture, art and architecture, and there's no place quite like it anywhere else around the world. 9 Places in Florence You Have to Go! - blogs.cofc.edu So, if you really make a day out of them, you won't even have to plan a trip to Anger! For sit down restaurants, they wouldnt let you in the door if you could not show vaccination. 5 Is Florence Italy safe at night? In planning your vacation to Florence, you might be asking yourself: which area of Florence should I stay in? Great blog Were travelling to Northern Italy in September and supposed to go to a outdoor concert in Marostica. In May 2021, Italy formally opened its borders to international travelers from select countries to revive tourism. Access is good to hospitals and if theres any hint of problems, then businesses and events have gone to only letting in vaccinated or recovered people. If you have questions or updates about travel to Italy during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below. Duomo is close to many of Florence's most popular tourist spots, like the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Museum of San Marco, the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce and so much more. Though the City of Florence occupies about 40 sq km, most of the city's best hotels, sights, dining, and nightlife are . An antigen or molecular test is not required to end the isolation period. Most tourist attractions, public transport, restaurants, bars and other amenities are open and functioning as normal, albeit with social distancing rules and the obligation to wear a mask. Visitors should be well prepared to follow the regulations in Italy, even if they differ from their home country. Read on for details and check back for updates. Some restaurants require reservations. Table reservations a few days or even a couple of weeks in advance, depending on the season, are vital at Florences most sought-after dining addresses: garden-gracedLa Leggenda dei Frati, Essenziale, triple-Michelin-starred Enoteca Pinchiorri and two-starred Santa Elisabetta among others. Try not to leave phones or cameras out on a table or bench unless youre actively using them. Look for a handwritten sign, displayed perhaps in the window. Here is some important information you should know before visiting Florence Italy.With a rating of 78%, ITALY is ranked 34th out of 162 on . Don't get me wrong, there is still a lot of activity around Florence, busy streets, a decent nightlife, and Vespas buzzing past you continuously. It is wonderful not to have to wear a mask outside., July 2021 Kathryn, American Traveler: I flew from Spain to Naples, Italy and stayed 2 days in Positano, 2 days in Sorrento, and 4 days in Rome. Few Cruise Ship Passengers - 5. Is colosseum ticket free on the first Sunday of every month after pandemic? No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Historic Florence is littered with historic chapels and Renaissance churches at every turn, most of which still offer Mass daily. Air Dolomiti airlines required masks on the flight. In fact, Italy is in 32nd place on the 2021 Global Peace Index which is a very good score. That information is correct. One of the coolest things about the hotels is the classic furniture and design in each room. As restrictions vary based on the travelers citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens. Currently, three quarters of Italians are fully vaccinated. For public transit within a city like buses and metros, there are capacity controls and masks required but not the green pass. With piazzas and streets brightly lit at night and an overall low crime rate, most travelers feel very safe when visiting Florence. Weve also been visiting smaller villages like Pienza, Montepulciano, and San Gimignano, but theyre a little too empty. Does Italy require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? Italy was the first country in Europe affected by COVID-19 and was hit hard by the outbreak, requiring strict lock downs. Best Times to Travel Italy . Well do our best to gather more testimonials about what this looks like on the ground to update our post in the future. One month before departure, log on to buy online tickets for Florences most sought-after museums and galleries: the Uffizi, Galleria dellAccademia and the iconic Renaissance cupolathat crowns the Duomo. Driving in Italy: What You Need to Know - TripSavvy Museums are open, but with timed, pre-reserved tickets. Hi there and thank you for your lovely blog. Florence Isn't Expensive. Petty theft happens most often in public transport hubs like train stations, near tourist spots, or in other areas where lots of people gather. Some scammers will try to distract you so that someone can steal your things which is why you always need to be aware of what is going on around you. Florence Travel Guide - When to go, what to do, & where to stay Does this mean August 30 they may decide to implement the quarantine period again? May 2022 Lyndsay at thepurposelylost.com: Ive been living in Italy and exploring the country for six months now, and the past few days were the busiest Ive seen the cities! 176Lilo. One scam in busy pedestrian zones is the petition scam. Starting February 1st, a booster shot will be needed for persons who have been fully vaccinated for more than 6 months. This post about Italy travel in 2023 is periodically updated with official Italy travel restrictions, requirements and guidance. Since we are not vaccinated, we have been getting tested for entering museums, which lasts 48 hours. Masks are no longer required on buses, trains, etc. Does Italy check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? On the train back to Rome airport, we saw staff sanitizing handrails in all the train cars. Coronavirus. - Is Travel Safe - Florence Forum - Tripadvisor expat: Its so great and easy to get reservations at awesome restaurants with fewer tourists. Florence travel safety advice Florence is generally safe, but take precautions against the opportunistic thieves common to major tourist attractions: pickpockets and purse snatchers. The population pays very close attention to the guidelines of COVID. We have a good friend in Tuscany who tells us there is no concern about safety in Italy currently, however, prices and availability of some products/delivery is being significantly affected. Thank you for visiting our blog. Yes, people follow the rules. Another common trap is the bracelet scam. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. All sights have been adjusted accordingly. Face Masks Face coverings are recommended in public spaces and required in healthcare settings. wearing of masks in Italy is no longer mandatory except in healthcare settings. It might come in handy for a lot of tourists who want to get out of their homes after a long season of the pandemic. There might no finer way to lap up Florentine street culture than over a tripe panino dripping in pea-green salsa verde (a sauce blending smashed parsley, garlic, capers and anchovies) at a traditional tripe cart. Florence is home to roughly 708,000 people in the city and greater metropolitan area. Most tourists prefer visiting the Tuscan capital of Florence in Spring or Autumn as the weather is quite pleasant during this time. Some people wear masks in grocery stores, trains, or other public areas but not many. Today we share the things to know before you go to Florence Italy, so you know how to plan a trip to Florence. I am usually loose with my planning when I travel, but am doing more of it just because its required. By staying vigilant and cool-headed, youll have the trip of your dreams. Tempting as it might be, do not climb or clamber over these public art works whether for a photo or for play. Owners dont distinguish between locals and tourists everyone has to have their Green Pass scanned or checked. First, you'll need to look into the travel restrictions that your own government has to make sure that it's safe for you to go here. Are buses and trains running in Italy? See details above. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I felt very safe in Turin as everything was well organized and it seemed like the locals were determined to live normally again. Florence: Health & Safety - Tripadvisor Can US citizens travel to Italy? It can get very crowded in the touristy areas of Florence, so watch your belongings and be aware of common scams. Keep emergency numbers close by just in case anything goes wrong while you're out. They are generally harmless; a polite no is usually sufficient to ward them off. Remember tip number oneconfidence is key! Make the most of your time in Italy with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Firstly, yes, your white CDC vaccination card will work as your pass, as long as the latest vaccination date qualifies. Youll not only be guaranteed a visit on the day and time you desire: youll also avoid wasting hours in ticket queues. Espresso is called just that for a reason: make your coffee stop short, sharp and sweet when standing at the bar. No. 3 How many days do you need in Florence? June 2023 Natalie Deduck of Best of Turin, visitor: My husband and I come to Turin to stay a month and later travel to other destinations in Italy. Ditto for some blockbuster temporary art exhibitions at Palazzo Strozzi. I know the uncertainty is difficult, which I wrote about in our recent post here: https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/. Access to health care remains free for everyone on Italian territory, including visitors. The biggest issue when travelling to Italy right now is the rules change really quickly, the country can ban specific countries without warning as happened over Christmas with people coming from the UK. Do not give up common sense while traveling in this city. However, the overall risk is low and there are almost no reports of serious criminal acts. 8 Best Areas to Stay in Florence, Italy | She Wanders Abroad Florence, capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Tap water in Florence is perfectly safe to drink, though locals rarely do. There were absolutely no checks during our whole visit in Como, however you do see that local stores do still have a those plastic protection areas at the cashier tills and hand sanitizers is available at entrances. 29 posts. Here's our pick of the best experiences Italy has to offer you. Know who to call if something does go wrong. If not storing your luggage in a trusted luggage storage in Florence, always keep an eye on your belongings and never leave them unattended. Where To Stay in Florence in 2023 - The Tour Guy If you get cold symptoms, you can go to a test street. (followed, respectively, by Bologna, Florence, Turin, Catania, and Rome). Thats why we want to help you travel confidently, safely, and responsibly. Masks were still required on the regional trains in Italy, enforced by staff and audio announcements. On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 4 to 7 times per month. Snagging tickets for philharmonic concerts and operas staged at the same-name theater likewise requires advance planning. For anyone thinking of coming to Italy right now, Id stick to the bigger cities, where youre guaranteed to find things open and still full of Italian vita.. Masks are worn on all public transport and indoors and majority comply. Auba, thank you for your question. Or else keep it stashed well away in your bag and only pull it out when you are alone. We've done the sparring for you. 13 Things Tourists Should Never Do In Florence - Culture Trip and understanding that symptoms may not show up until later . Although you dont need to wear a mask walking around outside, masks are still required on public transportation like busses, metros, and trains, and highly encouraged for all inside spaces like restaurants and shops. I am traveling to Italy in February, and my second vaccine dose would be older than 6 months, and not able to get a third dose before arrival. Locals whose work is fed by tourism are eager to welcome back visitors but many of them, along with those who do not work in the tourism sector, are pushing for a change in tourism. While most restaurants and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, theres freedom and peace of mind when you have a connected cell phone everywhere you go. Plan the perfect time for your visit to Italy with this month-by-month guide to weather, crowds, prices and events through the year. We are vaccinated so hopefully if they restrict anything its unvaccinated folks. I read here and there that maybe borders will be opening first to Europeans and then to Americans. There was a green pass that people used to dine indoors, however since Im a US Citizen I did not have one. Indoor dining often had more space between tables to allow for social distancing. Dont even think about arriving in Florence by car. Pretty much anything youd want to do as a tourist right now requires the Green Pass. Unless you book tickets online. The most convenient way to get around Florence is to walk, but there are also public transit services available. While there are still crowds in Italys top destinations and main, Read More Italy in September: Best Activities, Destinations, Weather, & Packing GuideContinue. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM Enjoy the freedom to explore while waiting for your Airbnb to be ready. But the food is amazing, the people are lovely, and the city is beautiful, so even with some adaptations, its amazing to be here!, April 2021 Chicca, Cooking in Tuscany, Italian resident: We have been living a lockdown life since October I have to say weve got so use to it. Take advantage of the 24/7 customer support services and reliable protection plan, resting easy in the fact that your belongings are secure. Medicine Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic. Tourists and visitors may access Italian health care and emergency services by paying out of pocket or with privately purchased travelers insurance. On top of that, each Italian region is defined by a colour depending on the level of the infection rate. You can help lower the chances of your things being stolen by keeping valuables at the bottom of your bag and owning a cross-body handbag or money belt. Florence is every bit the romantic and dreamy destination that you can imagine: cobblestoned alleyways nestled between palazzi, captivating art and architecture, and a vibrant outdoor dining culture are all ingredients for a perfect stay in Florence.