WHEN BEST TO GO
The best time to visit Florence is during spring and autumn when the weather is warm.
Florence is hot, humid and crowded in July and August and many restaurants close during these months. Late October and November are mild but rainfall is high. Florence is quietest during the winter.
ATTIRE
Florentine dress is stylish and smart, even when dressing casually. Shorts are not commonly worn in the city and certainly not in churches. When visiting churches and cathedrals, women must cover bare arms and shoulders, and long trousers or skirts should be worn. Light clothes are advisable in spring and summer with a jacket for the cooler evenings. In autumn and winter, keep an umbrella to hand.
TIME ZONE
GMT +2 Daylight Saving (27.3.2011-29.10.2011) GMT +1 (30.10.2011-25.3.2012)
TYPICAL OPENING HOURS
Shops open from 9.30am-1pm and 3.30pm-7.30pm daily.
LANGUAGE
Italian; English widely spoken.
CURRENCY
Euro
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = EUR 0.73 £1 = EUR 1.17
COUNTRY DIALLING CODE
+39
24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
Ambulance: 118 Fire services: 115 Police: 113
EMBASSY CONTACTS
US:
+39 055 266 951
Lungarno Vespucci, 38, 50123
UK:
+ 39 055 284 133
Lungarno Corsini, 2, 50123
POPULATION
0.5 million
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day Easter Monday Liberation Day Labor Day Christmas Day Boxing Day
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Sitting on steps and in courtyards in close proximity to public buildings is an offence in Florence. Eating and drinking in front of churches and cathedrals is also frowned upon and modest clothing that covers legs and shoulders, should always be worn inside religious buildings.