Useful Information for your Stay in Florence

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:

UK:

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.

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