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• Florence Tourist Information Offices

In order to make the best of their stay in Florence , tourists must be as well oriented as possible and to learn all is necessary for them in terms of street names, piazzas and significant tourist objectives in order to streamline their experience of Florence. To this end, Florence is serviced by five tourist information offices able to provide information and printed materials to any visitor resorting to their services.

Thus, the main tourist information office is located nearby the Piazza del Duomo , and it operates Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 6.30pm, whereas on Sunday and public holidays, from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

Via Manzoni is another thoroughfare to host a further establishment of this kind, with opening hours as follows: Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm.

The Amerigo Vespucci Airport of Florence too host a tourist information office, which is only natural, since plenty of tourists land at this airport which stands out as one of the main entrance gates in Tuscany, with opening hours as follows: 8.30am to 8.30pm every day.

Piazza Stazzione is a further tourist hotspot where a similar establishment can be found. The office has the following opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 7pm, whereas on Sunday and public holidays it works from 8.30am to 2pm.

Finally, tourists can resort to information services provided by the office located in Borgo Santa Croce , an office which operates a little more differentiated depending on the tourist season. Thus, from March to November (the first week of the month), the opening hours as are follows: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm, whereas on Sunday and public holidays from 9am to 2pm. From November to late February: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm; on Sunday and public holidays from 9am to 2pm.

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Tourist Office of Florence in Italy

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Florence Italy Travel Guide

Discover Renaissance Italy in Everyone's Favorite Tuscan City

Florence is in the heart of Italy's Tuscany Region in western Italy along the Arno river. It is 145 miles north of Rome and 185 miles south of Milan. Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany, and has a population of around 400,000 people, with around 300,000 more in suburban areas.

The narrow lanes of Renaissance Firenze are clogged with sweating tourists in July and August. Spring (April and May) or Autumn (September and October) are much better, although it's still tourist season. Tourists flock to Florence at Easter as well. November can be ok if you bring warm clothes and expect some rain.

Where to Stay

Most folks would rather stay in the historic center to marvel at Florence's Renaissance architecture. A stay in the hills outside of Florence is also rewarding. We enjoyed our stay at Villa Le Piazzole , where a short and pleasant downhill walk into Florence takes you right to the Ponte Vecchio.

Read reviews of hotels in Florence on TripAdvisor .

Top Attractions

• Florence's Archaeological Museum - housed in a palace with great Egyptian and Etruscan collections. Via della Colonna, Admission less than 5 Euros.
• Baptistry of John the Baptist - dates from the 11th century, with three sets of amazing bronze doors.
• Il Duomo (Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore) - The Florentine Gothic duomo was begun in 1296 and consecrated in 1436. Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece of construction and you can climb the 463 stairs for great views of Florence. Piazza del Duomo. Entrance is free, but in summer you may have to wait in line to get in. Fees to see the excavations or go up into the cupola.
• Uffizi Gallery - housed in a 1560 Medici palazzo, the recent renovations have meant that visitors don't have to wait outside and the galleries have expanded. There's a good view of Florence from the upper floors. Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, As of 2019, the price was 12 Euros to enter from November through February and 20 Euros from March through October. [Special note: If you're planning a trip to Florence between May and October, the Uffizi is the one attraction you should buy a ticket in advance for. Select Italy offers: Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery Tickets .]
• The Palazzo Vecchio or "Old Palace" is Florence's Romanesque town hall. A copy of Michelangelo's David attracts gawkers out front. This is another place where you'll want to book a tour in advance. Select Italy offers three very interesting tours: "the general Guided Tour offers an overview of the palace's most important rooms; the Secret Itineraries Tour opens doors that are usually closed to the public; and the Paint a Fresco Workshop teaches you how to make your very own fresco using techniques from the Middle Ages and Renaissance." See: Palazzo Vecchio Tours, Florence .
• The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens . The palace encompasses several museums and holds paintings from some of Italy's most celebrated masters. The Renaissance gardens are a delight. Piazza Pitti, south of the Arno. Various entry fees.
• Dante's House (Casa di Dante) - ok, it's a little offbeat, but I liked the medieval section of the city and visiting a house of the famous Dante. Via S. Margherita, 1, 3 Euros, closed Tuesday.
• The Ponte Vecchio - The Old Bridge looks from the outside as if it were still crowded with the crammed blacksmith and butcher shops of the medieval period, but it's all glittery gold and tourist baubles today. Spared from bombing in WWII, it used to be built of wood but a rebuild in the 1300s made it mostly stone. Free, unless you run afoul of a jewelry or porcelain statue salesman.
• The Church of San Lorenzo - It's not impressive from the outside, but it's probably the oldest religious structure in Florence. They say it was probably founded before year 400 and its art holdings include stuff by Donatello and Bronzino.

Food and Drink

Tuscan cuisine is world-renowned for simple combinations of absolutely fresh ingredients. Try the Florentine T-Bone  bistecca alla fiorentina  (but beware that it's listed on the menu priced  per 100 grams --and this bistecca is usually huge). Tripe is also a specialty, as is the bread soup called ribollita. Tuscan starters include  crostini  and  bruschetta , toasted bread with various toppings.

Best Breakfast: Cucciolo Bar Pasticceria.  Known for its Bombolone, a sort of Tuscan doughnut that here is cooked and immediately send down a chute from the kitchen upstairs so that each one slides down to the front of the bar where you can grab one and chow down. Your breakfast bombolone doesn't get fresher than that.

Lunch in the Market  If you can find your way through the jungle of leather coats and handbags in the Piazza di San Lorenzo marketplace, you'll see the old fashioned sign announcing Piero's favorite lunch spot: Trattoria Gozzi. "Simple Tuscan food, always packed," said Piero. He was right. On a late October day at almost 2 in the afternoon, we couldn't get in; there was at least a 45-minute wait. The Gozzi is only open for lunch. Get there early!

Drinks With a View at Biblioteca de le Oblate The Biblioteca de le Oblate is a former convent; the nuns here did the laundry for the adjacent hospital--you can see the washtubs downstairs. And there really is a historic library here. But the star of the show is the second-floor cafe with a view of the dome of the duomo.

Local Buses

ATAF and LI-NEA together maintain the city's public transportation system. Tickets and bus passes can be purchased at the ATAF ticket booth at Piazza Stazione (you can get a timetable of buses as well). You can buy a bus ticket at any tobacconist (indicated by a large "T" on a black sign on the outside of the shop) displaying an orange A.T.A.F. sticker on the door or window. All tickets must be time stamped using the machines on board the buses. Late night (9.00pm to 6.00am) tickets can usually be purchased from the bus driver.

Florence is served by taxi companies:  Taxi Radio  and  Taxi Socota . Socota is the largest. You probably won't be able to hail a cab, you'd be better off finding a taxi stand or calling.

Florence has a  website devoted to parking in the city. Click on "Parcheggiare" to get a map of parking lots. 

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Florence Italy Tourist Information

If you’re coming to Florence Italy tourist information is the first thing you need.

What's  the best time of the year to come ?

Where can I find  a cheap flight ?

And some  good free maps  of the city?

Find the answer to your questions below.

Coming Here - Florence Italy Tourist Information

What's the best season to visit?  The city has a totally different atmosphere depending on the weather and the time of year.

Costs change too - rates go up in summer and come down in winter.  There are some great cheap flights during the off season!  

Follow the quick links ...

Getting To Know Firenze! 

Just outside the main train station you’ll find a visitor’s center that has lots of handy stuff and services.  

Pick up some free maps of the city, get help with hotel reservations or book a museum visit.  

The station is right in the center of town which makes it extremely convenient for day trips to Pisa, Rome or even Venice.  

Read all about it in these Florence Italy tourist information links...

Getting Around

Your feet are the best means of transportation for getting around town.  

Of course walking is slow though, so if your visit is a short one consider exploring the city  by bike or by bus .  Plenty of visitors go for these fun options!

And if you want to venture out of town to some nearby villages consider renting a car.  A car hire  is the perfect way to take day trips without worrying about train or bus schedules.  Read about   driving in Italy   and get essential info for a car rental .

What are the top things to do in town?  

No visit to this city would be complete without a stop at some of the world renown museums that millions of vacationers come to see every year.   Find out more about Museums .

And how many cities have been described as an 'open air museum' ?  

Not many, and this splendid renaissance town is one of the few.  

But don't just wander around wondering what you're seeing....take a sightseeing tour !  Your visit will be enriched immensely and you'll have loads more fun!

There's no shortage of restaurants in town.  

Actually, there are so many eateries to chose from, you might feel overwhelmed and just end up going into the first place you see - no good!  

Find the best places to eat authentic local food at fair prices - read about the best restaurants .

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Location of tourist offices in Florence including the main Florence tourist office located at Via Manzoni, 16 in downtown Florence, as well as what kind of information these tourist offices have avilable to visitors to Florence.

The government run IAT offices are found throughout Florence. Tourist Information as well as free maps of Florence are always available, and these offices are particularly good for finding what's new in Florence - shows, concerts, exhibitions etc etc.

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Aboutflorence.com ...., ... your tourist guide to florence, hotels in florence, tourist offices in florence.

Tourist Information Office - APT Firenze Address: Provincia di Firenze, Via Cavour 1r Opening times Summer (1st March - 31st October): from Monday to Saturday from 8.15 to 19-15, Sunday and Holiday from 8.30 to 13.30 Opening times Winter (1st November -28th February): from Monday to Saturday from 8.15 to 19.15 Phone: 055 290832 Website - More info: http://www.firenzeturismo.it/index.php?lang=en_EN

APT Firenze Address: Via Manzoni 16 Phone: 055 23320 Website - More info: http://www.firenzeturismo.it/index.php?lang=en_EN

APT Firenze Address: Aeroporto "A. Vespucci" Phone: 055 315874 Website - More info: http://www.firenzeturismo.it/index.php?lang=en_EN

Area di Servizio Agip Peretola Address: Autostrada Firenze Mare (A11) Phone: 055 4211800

Area di Servizio Chianti Est Address: Autostrada del Sole (A1) Phone: 055 621349

Comune di Firenze Address: Borgo S. Croce 29r Phone: 055 2340444 - 055 2264524 Website - More info: http://www.comune.fi.it/

Comune di Firenze Address: Piazza Stazione Phone: 055 212245 Website - More info: http://www.comune.fi.it/

Consorzio I.T.A. / Hotel information Address: Stazione S. Maria Novella Phone: 055 282893

SOS Turista Address: Provincia di Firenze, Via Cavour 1r Phone: 055 2760382

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How to Book tickets for Florence Museums Ahead of Your Arrival

How to book Florence museum tickets to not wait in line

Florence is known as the "Cradle of the Renaissance" for its palaces, churches and museums ,turning the city into an open-air museum that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year, year round.

One way to not waste time in lines is to pre-book museum tickets , certainly for the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery , which are Florence's most visited museums. Here's how and where to book Florence museum tickets!

How to pre-book or buy museum tickets

Please note: All pre-booked tickets have an extra pre-booking fee added on. It goes from €2-4, depending on the museum.

Here's the low-down for buying museum tickets ahead of time for the STATE museums in Florence:

• By telephone : The cheapest solution for pre-booking museum tickets in Florence is by phone! The call center number is +39-055-294-883. This is only for State Museums (the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, the Bargello, Pitti Palace, etc. See the full list of State museums in Florence here ). Why is it the BEST way? Because you don't have to pay ahead of time . You are given a booking# and with this, you present yourself about 15-20 minutes before your reserved time, pay only then as you pick up for your tickets and then proceed on your visit. Remember, though, that Italy is +1 Greenwich time and you have to call when the call center is open: Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm, closed on Sundays.
• Online on the official website : B-ticket.com is the official partner website to pre-book tickets for all of the State Museums in Florence. It is the online version of the call center, so the cost of the ticket is the same as if you booked by phone through the call center. There are two drawbacks compared to the call center: 1. you PAY UPFRONT when you pre-book, since you book with a credit card and 2. you CANNOT MAKE CHANGES to your tickets once they are purchased, and the tickets are non-refundable.
• on-site: you can always buy tickets at the museum directly, the day you visit, at the base ticket cost (no extra fees added on). You don't have to pre-book tickets for any museums, we just generally recommend it for the Uffizi and Accademia because of the long lines there are the general entrance ticket line which make you lose precious time in Florence. If you're time is limited, we recommend getting tickets for those two museums ahead of time.

Additional options for museum tickets:

• BOOK A GUIDED TOUR, TICKET IS INCLUDED: The museums DO NOT OFFER guided tours of the museums directly themselves, other than on special occasions. So if you want to join a guided tour, they are offered by local tour agencies and the tours include TICKETS to ensure you skip any lines. A great source of guided tours is Viator.com (an international company belonging to the TripAdvisor network - DISCLAIMER: this is our affiliated link ) which groups together all tours offered by local companies. This makes all the tours easier to find. Generally, if you're interested in visiting any museum with a guide, you book your tour, a meeting point is set and you go into the museum together as a group, the tour leader has your ticket. All tours include museum tickets, so don't buy tickets separately! There are many tours, including walking tours, which make perfect sense if your time in Florence is limited. There are large group tours as well as small group tours, as well as private tours: take a look at the options to find something you would enjoy. If you want small, personal guided tours, we have found the tours offered by tour company Italy-Tickets.com to be excellent!

How about booking CITY museums? Here's how you book city museums:

You can book tickets for Palazzo Vecchio , Santa Maria Novella , the Brancacci chapel and other city museums online through this page: http://ticketsmuseums.comune.fi.it/

But do you need to? I would say most city museums never have long lines, unless there are special events going on, and you can just wait a short time and buy museum tickets directly when you go visit.

Which museums should you visit? Which ones need pre-booking?

While you're visiting Florence, you'll want to visit lots of these museums but which ones? Check out our top recommended sights to see in our 2 day itinerary .

Are you wondering whether you need to book ahead for some and not others ? You do for some museums: keep reading to see our recommendations on when to book and which ones, as well as additional tips on how to buy and where .

Book the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery in HIGH Season

We call Florence's busiest season the "high season" and this is roughly from May until September . During this time, there are so many people downtown it often becomes difficult to walk through Piazza Duomo (don't try it in a hurry!) and the lines at the city's major museums are long, with waits of over an hour... but only if you don't book your museum tickets ahead of time !

Generally speaking, it is good practice to book Florence museum tickets in advance if you're coming in the high tourist season, which can actually start around Easter, quiets down a bit and then picks up with the warm weather and continues until the end of September. I personally think that the extra cost of the pre-booked ticket reservation is easily justified by the time you save not queuing in front of the museums, in essence giving you more time to discover more of Florence. Booking ahead does mean you need to decide on a date and time to visit, as tickets are sold for specific entrance times. This is particularly true for the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery , the city's two most visited museums.

If, on the other hand, you want to leave your visit to Florence flexible , either consider getting the Firenze Card or prepare yourself for the lines and prepare to make conversation with fellow people waiting in line, visitors who come from all over the world and which might make the long wait a bit more interesting!

During the rest of the year

Florence does have a quieter or "low" season, from November until March, when the number of visitors are definitely lower. It doesn't mean the city is deserted but with less numbers, the city center is a bit more enjoyable 😉. All joking aside, during the rest of the year, the lines at the Uffizi and Accademia are shorter as well as impossible to predict. You can take your chances and NOT book ahead of time, enjoying the city just like the locals in its "off-season". You might be pleasantly surprised to walk right in at the Uffizi on the day you decide to visit.

With limited time in Florence, always book ahead!

If you're in Florence for a limited time , like with only a day or two in the city, then do not leave it to chance and pre-book museum tickets. If you only have a few hours in Florence, I would suggest you book your tickets ahead of time and not spend even half an hour in line! You will want to make the most of the time you are in Florence.

The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries are Florence's Most Visited Museums

The Uffizi Gallery , with over 2200 works of art , is one of the most visited museums in all of Italy with almost 2 million visitors just last year. Even though Uffizi tickets can be reserved easily online or by phone, long lines still form every day in front of the museum and visitors wait 2 or more hours to be able to get inside. The museum, however, does offer the chance to shorten the wait by pre-booking tickets online or by phone and we highly recommend to book your tickets ahead of time, particularly for the Uffizi Gallery.

It is important to know that the Uffizi Gallery does limit the number of admissions at any one time for security measures and sets aside the number of these spots it will sell in advance. These advance tickets are sold through various channels, including authorized resellers. During the high season, some dates can be sold out on one website and still be available elsewhere so it makes sense to check your dates and book your Uffizi Museum tickets as soon as you know when you'll be in Florence. Just remember that the Uffizi Gallery is always closed on Mondays .

Among the other museums in Florence which merit booking tickets ahead of time is the Accademia Gallery . At the Accademia is where you'll find the original marble statue of David by Michelangelo and his Prisoners , as well as other masterpieces by Perugino, Filippino Lippi and Botticelli. Just like the Uffizi, the Accademia is visited by over 1,2 million visitors every year.

The long lines at the entrance on via Ricasoli wind around the nearby corner. To avoid queuing under the sun or rain (there is no portico to protect from the elements as there is at the Uffizi Gallery), we highly recommend you book tickets ahead of time.

The Bargello, Pitti Palace and Other Museums in Florence

Even though other Florence museums, such as the Bargello National Museum with its great sculpture collection, the Pitti Palace with its several museums and the Boboli Gardens , and the Medici Chapels with more sculptural masterpieces by Michelangelo, are not as busy as the Uffizi and the Academy, it's still useful to reserve tickets for these museums if you're visiting during high season . For these museums, you can reserve tickets online three days in advance while for the Uffizi we recommend getting them much before.

First Sundays of the Month are FREE!

Since March 2019 , the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage modified free entrance to all State museums every month to ONLY 6 months of the year, from October through March . This means that the Uffizi, Accademia and the rest of the State museums in Florence ( see the list here ) are free on the first Sunday of the month from October through March! It also means you CANNOT book advance entrance on that day and will need to wait in line along with everyone else. Read more about the Florence museum 3 day Firenze Card pass here to decide whether it is convenient for you, since you can book entrance for those days if you have the card. Lines can be long on those free Sundays, so be prepared!

Only in Florence for a few hours?

Regardless of the time of the year, if you're visiting Florence for only a few hours (as is the case for many doing day trips from cruise ships that stop in Livorno), I highly recommend you BOOK your museum tickets ahead of time. You don't have much time to dedicate to Florence so you don't want to spend time in line. Booking your tickets ahead of time will be one way to ensure you have more time to see beautiful Florence!

Guided Tours are a fun and interesting way to visit museums... and to skip any lines

We found it is a great way to visit both the Uffizi and Accademia museums (and the rest of Florence) because a licensed tour guide can explain the importance of the main artworks in a simple and interesting way that makes history and art quite fun! We recommend Viator because it offers a wide variety of tours (which in turn also include the ticket to the museums) as well as combinations of museum tours with walking tours of Florence. Take a look at the many tours offered , there are many options for group size, time of the day, duration of tour and places you visit.

Have any questions on booking museums or where to buy them from? Post your questions below!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. By buying through our affiliates, you support our website and keep all the info we offer on here free!

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Florence's duomo, uffizi gallery, exhibits in florence, bardini gardens, accademia gallery, ponte vecchio, top experiences in florence.

Author: Lourdes Flores

I'm from California but have called Florence my home for over a decade. I love to explore Italy; it is a lot of fun to try to see everything like I'm seeing it for the first time, keeping you, our readers, always in mind. I enjoy sharing what I know and helping others as they make their travel plans for Tuscany through our Forum . If you have itinerary-related questions, please post them there!

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Florence   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Florence

This little city, tucked amid the Tuscan hills, casts a long shadow through history. The wellspring of the Renaissance,  Firenze  (or Florence) sheltered the powerful Medici family and inspired artists like Michelangelo (David )  and Brunelleschi (the  Duomo ). If it weren't for the fashionable Italians and chic shops lining   Via Tornabuoni, you might think you had traveled back in time to the 14th century. But Renaissance art is not the only reason to come: You also visit Florence for its gorgeous sunsets, its Italian cooking and its romantic charm. Make the most of your time in the city by letting a local show you around on one of Florence's best tours .

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Florence Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Florence is between May and September when warm weather ushers in art festivals, open-air dining and the kind of Italian sunshine that inspired the Renaissance painters. Unfortunately, it also brings sweltering weather, tourist swarms and high hotel rates. If you visit in late fall or winter, you'll enjoy lower room rates and much shorter lines at the  Uffizi . But the meteorological conditions won't be as hospitable, with low temperatures dropping into the mid-30s Fahrenheit.

Weather in Florence

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Say no to knockoffs In Florence, it's illegal to buy knockoff designer bags. If the authorities catch you purchasing a fake item, you can be fined thousands of dollars.

Reserve ahead The lines outside the  Uffizi  and the  Galleria dell'Accademia  are almost always tortuously long. Spend a few extra euro, and make your museum reservation in advance or sign up for a tour to skip the bulk of the line.

Eat late Do as the Italians do and eat late – lunch at about 1:30 or 2 p.m. and dinner around 9 p.m.

How to Save Money in Florence

Book a hotel on the outskirts  For a somewhat more authentic (not to mention, cost-efficient) experience, book a hotel on the outskirts. You'll get to wake up to the glory of the Tuscan hills, and you're simply a quick train ride from Renaissance central.

Consider the Firenzecard  This card , which costs 85 euros (or about $95) and has 72 hours of validity, grants you admission into several of the city's top attractions , including the Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, for one price.

Dine smart  Stay away from the tourist attractions when you're hungry – restaurants are generally overpriced here. In and around Mercato Centrale Firenze is a good place to find cheaper Italian food.

Culture & Customs

The idea of  la bella figura  is one that is extremely important in Italian culture. Literally translated as "the beautiful figure," la bella figura covers everything from a person's dress to his or her actions and manners – to Italians, all of life should be beautiful.

Picking up a few Italian phrases is helpful and even attempting the language will win you points with Italians, who are usually more than willing to help if they see you trying. In any kind of store or restaurant, it is appropriate to greet and say goodbye to employees even if you do not purchase anything. A  buongiorno  on your way in and an  arrivederci  on your way out should cover it.  Ciao  is also acceptable but is less formal. Like in America, please ( per favore ) and thank you ( grazie ) will go a long way.

Many establishments – restaurants, grocery stores and tourist attractions – close on Sundays. And although Florence attractions tend to open at a normal hour, many will take a midday  siesta after the lunch hour. And some Florence attractions are closed an additional day a week (besides Sunday), so research attractions' hours before making your itinerary.

In comparison to the United States, Italians have a less strict sense of personal space. Do not be surprised if they go further than a handshake at first meetings. Cheek-to-cheek and mouth-to-cheek kisses are not unusual. Follow their lead and note: Reciprocation is  bella figura ; to pull away would be rude. Speaking of rude, you should avoid pointing with your index finger, as most Italians point using all four fingers. And never point at something with just your index and pinky together; it's considered vulgar.

Finally, Italy's official currency is the euro. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to  check what the current exchange rate is  before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.

What to Eat

Florence is known not only for its famous art, but also for its simple yet delicious cuisine, as well as its wine from neighboring towns in  Tuscany . While restaurants tend to be overpriced, you can do as the Italians do and head to Mercato Centrale Firenze for fresh produce, bread, cheese and meat and create your own meal. Several of the top tours in Florence can also help you navigate the market and learn how to cook like an Italian. If you'd rather eat out, recent travelers praised the delectable Italian food and warm ambiance of Pitti Gola e Cantina and the Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco , near the Boboli Gardens . For a romantic dinner, make a reservation at Ristorante La Giostra , an intimate restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine, extensive wine list (bottles fill every nook and cranny of the restaurant) and as being the former resting place of the Salvemini Square carousel.

Tuscan cuisine is all about simplicity. Hearty pastas flavored only with a few ingredients are still somehow rich and multi-faceted. Fish and meats are also well-represented in the Tuscan repertoire. Like most of the Mediterranean, olive oil is an important ingredient in almost every dish.

Florence is also filled with a multitude of gelato stands. The pistachio flavor is the key to differentiating between the good ones from the not-so-great ones (the darker the color, the better). You'll find authentic  gelaterias  with pistachio gelato around the Piazza di Santa Croce and in Oltrarno.

While in Florence, your greatest safety concern will be pickpockets. The Santa Maria Novella train station tends to see a lot of pickpocket action, as do the city's buses. Exercising caution and keeping an eye on your purse or wallet will help keep pickpockets at bay. Other than pickpockets, there are several other scams to be wary of when walking around Florence, especially around heavily-trafficked areas, such as the Duomo. People may approach you and offer to give you an item (such as a bracelet or a small trinket). They may force it in your hand or around your wrist and then ask you for payment. If anyone approaches you offering a "free" gift, politely (but firmly) move on.

Getting Around Florence

The best way to get around Florence is by foot. In fact, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes, passing many recognizable sites along the way. Hopping aboard an ATAF bus is another option. To get into the city, many travelers fly into Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) in Pisa, making a pit stop at its Leaning Tower before taking the train to the main station, Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella. You can also fly into the small Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) in Florence and take a bus or taxi to the city center. Renting a car is not recommended because skinny, one-way streets make driving a nightmare and many areas are relegated pedestrians or authorized traffic only.

Entry & Exit Requirements

You'll need a valid passport with at least two blank pages to travel to Italy from the United States. In Italy, U.S. citizens have to have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay, but you can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. Those who wish to stay for a longer period should contact the Italian Embassy or a Consulate. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's  website .

The Duomo is easily recognized by its massive red dome.

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17 free things to do in Florence

May 7, 2024 • 11 min read

From street art to stellar views across the city, there are plenty of free things to see and do in Florence © Gulcin Ragiboglu / Getty Images

Don’t be deceived by the opulent Renaissance palaces, the gold jewelry shining from Ponte Vecchio’s storefronts and the high-end brands lined up on Via Tornabuoni – Florence doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

The art-filled capital of Tuscany may be brimming with treasures from the past but, contrary to what your wallet might fear, there is no shortage of experiences that come without a price tag.

From meandering through Renaissance architecture to seeking the best viewpoints to admire Brunelleschi’s Duomo from above, there are many opportunities to prove wrong the maxim “you get what you pay for.” What’s more, the free things to do in Florence are often the most neglected by short-term visitors, who tend to gather in and around the major attractions.

Here are some of the riches in Florence that won't cost you a cent.

1. Step into the Duomo

One of Florence’s best-known landmarks, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo , can be visited without a ticket, at least in part. Queue up in Piazza del Duomo to access the cathedral’s sparsely decorated main nave from the portal carved into its 19th-century neo-Gothic facade. 

Entering without a ticket will only allow you to explore the ground floor of the cathedral. If you want to climb the cupola and get a close look at Giudizio Universale , the fresco by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, you’ll need to purchase one of the three passes available from the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore’s official website .

Florence's must-see museums: from the sublime to the Renaissance  

2. Stand under Giotto’s Crocifisso di Ognissanti

Medieval master Giotto is perhaps the biggest name in Florentine pre-Renaissance art. Most of the Gothic artworks still found in Florence are exhibited in the Galleria degli Uffizi , the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Basilica di Santa Croce (all ticketed museums) but it is possible to admire one of Giotto’s gilded crucifixes for free in the Chiesa di Ognissanti .

Believed to have been produced around 1315, Crocifisso di Ognissanti is over 4.5m (14.8ft) tall and hangs in the left wing of the church, near the altar. Chiesa di Ognissanti is also home to the painting Sant'Agostino nello Studio  (St Augustine in His Study) by Sandro Botticelli, who chose to be buried in the church near his muse Simonetta Vespucci.

3. Climb the Rampe del Poggi to Piazzale Michelangelo

Offering one of the most spectacular views of the city, the open terrace known as Piazzale Michelangelo was built as part of Florence’s redevelopment in the late 19th century, shortly after Italy was unified. In charge of the project was architect Giuseppe Poggi, who designed a set of monumental ramps adorned with grottoes and waterfalls that lead to Piazzale Michelangelo from the San Niccolò neighborhood.

The uphill walk starts around Porta San Niccolò , one of the few medieval remnants of this part of the city. Most of the other older buildings were demolished in an attempt to modernize Florence during the brief period (1865–1871) when it was named the capital of Italy.

4. Find the “other” Davids

As you reach Piazzale Michelangelo you should see a familiar figure. After completing his project, Poggi decided to place a real-size copy of Michelangelo’s David in the middle of the square. The story goes that 18 oxen were needed to transport the bronze statue to the piazzale in 1873, placing it where it stands as the cherry on top of a monumental cake.

Piazzale Michelangelo’s David is not the only copy of the Renaissance icon (the original is housed inside Galleria dell’Accademia). A second copy is located in Piazza della Signoria, right in front of the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio.

8. Take a close look at the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi

An open-air museum in the true sense of the term, Loggia dei Lanzi is the terrace opening on Piazza della Signoria that was once used to host the public assemblies, speeches and ceremonies organized by the Florentine government in front of city residents gathered in the square. Today, the loggia houses an impressive collection of Roman and Renaissance statues.

Among the masterpieces on show are Giambologna’s Ratto delle Sabine (Rape of the Sabine Women), dating back to 1583, and the bronze Perseo by Benvenuto Cellini, which has been standing in the loggia since the mid-16th century.

5. Spot Michelangelo’s graffiti

A carved figure etched in the front wall of Palazzo Vecchio has been the subject of speculation for decades, if not centuries. Barely visible near the entrance, the line portrait known as L’Importuno is said to have been created by none other than Michelangelo himself, although clear evidence pointing to the creator of this legendary act of vandalism is lacking.

Many folk legends offer an explanation for the origin of the etching. The most commonly heard story holds that, when Michelangelo stood in this corner of Piazza della Signoria listening to public speeches, he would often be annoyed by an anonymous man who would frequently show up and disturb the artist. Once, the nuisance talked for so long that Michelangelo carved the man’s portrait with his hands behind his back.

6. Notice Clet’s altered street signs

Talking of street art, you may notice that some of Florence’s traffic signs have been modified. Look up and you’ll see that one-way signs have become Cupid’s arrows or that no-access signs have turned into guillotines. The artist behind these creative alterations is Clet, who has been changing Florence’s urban landscape for the past two decades by adding his ironic commentary to the city’s furniture. Clet’s studio is also open to the public – you can visit the space where the artist works in the San Niccolò area.

7. Learn more about Florentine street art

Clet is not the only street artist active in Florence. While walking down the city's narrow streets you can spot works by artists such as Blub, Exit/Enter, Ache 77 and many others who have added a touch of color to buildings old and new.

The best place to learn more about the local street art scene is Street Levels Gallery , the first gallery in Florence to be fully dedicated to urban art. Visit the art space in Via Palazzuolo, where you’ll find exhibitions showcasing movable pieces by some of the most creative names in Italian street art.

9. Admire Andrea del Sarto’s monochrome frescoes at Chiostro dello Scalzo

Housed inside the former headquarters of the Compagnia dei Disciplinati di San Giovanni Battista, a religious congregation founded in the 14th century, is the cloister known as the Chiostro dello Scalzo . It's here that Renaissance artist Andrea del Sarto completed one of the most impressive cycles of monochrome painting between 1509 and 1526. The artwork, covering most of the cloister’s walls, tells the story of John the Baptist, Florence’s patron saint, through 10 scenes starting from his birth to his holy endeavors as an adult.

Planning tip: The Chiostro dello Scalzo is free to visit, but it is only open between 8:15am and 1:45pm Monday to Saturday.

10. Cross Ponte Vecchio

Built in 1345, Florence’s Ponte Vecchio is one of the city’s many architectural wonders. The only Florentine bridge to survive the Nazi bombing of 1944, Ponte Vecchio features 48 stores perched on its three stone arches.

In the Middle Ages these uneven shops were used by butchers and fishmongers. But in 1593 Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici, who could not stand the smell of meat and the insalubrious state of the market, evicted all businesses involved in “vile arts.” From then on, only goldsmiths and jewelers were allowed to trade on the bridge.

Today, the bridge is still populated by luxurious stores showcasing watches and diamonds in their windows. For some of the best views of Ponte Vecchio at sunset, head to the next bridge, Ponte Santa Trinità , and see Florence’s icon turn red as the last rays hit its walls.

Planning tip: Ponte Vecchio can be extremely crowded during the day. Plan for a visit in the evening to catch resident street musician Claudio Spadi playing his guitar by the bust of Benvenuto Cellini.

11. Count the uncountable bees behind Ferdinando I

Head to Piazza Santissima Annunziata to find an equestrian statue of Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici standing right in the middle of the square, between the baroque Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata and the Museo degli Innocenti . Walk behind the monument to see the swarm of bees embossed on its pedestal.

According to a local legend, these bees – a symbol of power in 16th-century Florence – are impossible to count from a distance. Nevertheless, it's worth taking a few steps away from the statues to give in to the challenge, because it's said that those who succeed will be rewarded with a stroke of luck.

12. Admire Andrea del Castagno’s Last Supper

The Benedictine Monastery of St Apollonia, founded in 1339, used to function as the largest women's monastery in Florence. The freely accessible Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia hosts an impressive piece of Renaissance art, the Ultima Cena (Last Supper) ,  painted on one of the walls by Andrea del Castagno in 1447. The detailed fresco stretches for nearly 10m (33ft) across the room, surrounded by fading biblical scenes that adorn the rest of this fascinating monastery.

13. Visit one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe

The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is said to be one of the oldest pharmacies continuously operating in Europe, thanks to documents mentioning its activity as early as 1221. Dominican monks of the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Novella began producing ointments with the herbs grown in the church’s cloister in the Middle Ages, setting the foundation for the pharmacy that would open to the public in 1612.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica began specializing in perfumes and fragrances, catering to wealthy Florentines and the trail of foreign Grand Tourists reaching the city from northern Europe. Enter via the flowery doorway in Via della Scala to explore the scented rooms furnished with walnut cabinets containing hundreds of bottles.

14. Take a literary tour of Florence

Did you know that Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote much of his novel The Idiot while living in Florence? A plaque in Piazza Pitti marks the house in which the Russian author sojourned, steps away from the homes of other international literary figures.

English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, for instance, lived in Piazza San Felice, while Beatrice Shakespeare and Edward Claude Shakespeare Clench, the last descendants of William Shakespeare, are buried in the monumental Cimitero degli Inglesi.

15. Admire hidden baroque ceiling frescoes

Once the headquarters of the Vanchetoni Congregation (a Franciscan brotherhood founded in the late 16th century and led by Ippolito Galantini), the disused Oratorio dei Vanchetoni houses a spectacular ceiling covered in 13 frescoes. The works were painted around 1640 by artists such as Domenico Pugliani, Il Volterrano and Lorenzo Lippi.

Planning tip: The Oratorio dei Vanchetoni, one of Santa Maria Novella’s best-kept secrets, is open to the public on Saturdays between 3pm and 5pm.

16. Stroll the markets

The streets of the San Lorenzo neighborhood, where you’ll find the historic leather market and the covered Mercato Centrale , are typically some of the busiest in Florence. While the city’s most famous market makes for an obvious stop, there are many other markets worth visiting in Florence.

The Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio opens daily until 2pm, while the weekly Mercato delle Cascine stretches for over 1km (0.6 miles) in Florence’s biggest park every Tuesday morning. On the second Saturday of the month Piazza Santo Spirito hosts its famous antiques market and smaller markets pop up in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Ognissanti weekly.

17. Gaze at colorful Florentine mosaics

Finally, if you've already chosen to pay for a ticket to the Uffizi, don't forget to visit the other museums that are included for free as part of your admission. 

Opificio delle Pietre Dure  is a small museum on Via degli Alfani that exhibits a series of artworks made using the little-known  commesso technique, or Florentine mosaic. En vogue during the Renaissance, Florentine mosaics were produced by artisans who combined precisely cut precious stones in vivid colors to form still-life scenes, landscapes and even portraits.

The most spectacular example of a Florentine mosaic covers the interior of the Cappella dei Principi in the Museo delle Cappelle Medicee , where many members of the Medici family are buried. A few artisans working in the city still take on commissions to create unique pieces of furniture using the old commesso technique.

The ticket to the Uffizi also includes entry into the Museo Archeologico in Piazza San Marco, which exhibits a vast collection of Etruscan relics.

Keep planning your trip to Florence:

Looking for more great experiences? Here are our top picks in Florence Check out these  budget friendly tips  before you book  Explore beyond the city with these day trips from Florence

This article was first published Oct 26, 2021 and updated May 7, 2024.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Kanye West and Bianca Censori arrive in Japan in their most bizarre outfits yet

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Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori have become known for their outrageous style choices – usually featuring lots of skin on Censori’s part.

But she switched things up for her travel day when arriving at the airport in Narita, Japan this weekend.

The rapper, 46, and Yeezy architect, 29, were seen in some truly puzzling outfits, appearing to have been in the midst of some kind of spa day or perhaps a Nativity scene reenactment when they boarded their flight.

Bianca sported what looked to be the kind of gown one wears while getting a haircut, complete with a tie in the back and billowing sleeves.

Kanye wore a bright white bath robe and was seen clutching the top to keep the material in place as if he was answering the door on a Sunday morning.

Bianca’s outfit also included a black durag and a white turtleneck beneath her robe.

This is one of the first times Bianca has made headlines for a look that isn’t pushing the boundaries of nudity. Her revealing outfit choices –  including a series of barely-there looks and even a couple vagina-flashing ensembles – have kept the model consistently in the public eye.

The pair’s arrival in Japan comes after their recent trip to Italy, which fans were watching closely thanks to their controversial time in the country last year.

While in Florence in 2023 the pair enjoyed a boat ride during which Ye was pictured with his trousers down  and his bum out as Bianca kneeled between his legs.

Shortly after the photos circulated online,  the couple were slammed by the Tourism and Promotion office  in Italy and warned to behave respectfully when in the country.

Senior tourist instructor Andrea Giordani at the Tourism and Promotion office in Florence told MailOnline at the time: ‘I’d like to remind Kanye and his wife that they have broken the code of Enjoy and Respect Florence, in fact their behavior goes beyond that, and especially in the case of Venice where they were seen on the boat allegedly engaged in sexual activity – Italy is not that kind of place.

‘We remind them of the code of Enjoy and Respect Florence – it reminds holiday-makers to remember what are the wrong behaviors but also what are the “good practices” to live the city correctly and better organize your stay.

‘Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee the civil coexistence and the protection of the rights of each of us, respecting the environment, the artistic heritage and the identity of Florence, a city that was the cradle of the Renaissance and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.’

It seems the couple is dodging any further warnings while in Japan, opting for outfits that are as full coverage as they are inexplicable.

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‘It’s disgusting’: Bali locals are fed up with bad tourists

Many in Bali are sick of the disrespect, the illegal work and the indecent social media posts from foreigners

Shannon Smith had been to Bali before, but it was her first trip back since the pandemic. This time, the Cairns, Australia, resident had come to Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods” for a work conference in Nusa Dua, a resort hub at Bali’s southern tip. While bouncing between Nusa Dua and popular tourist areas such as Kuta and Seminyak, Smith, who works in hotel management, noticed a few changes. There was more traffic on the roads, and there were fewer visitors from Asia and more Russians.

But the Balinese people were as welcoming as ever, and the place was still rife with rowdy tourists.

“If I wanted to hang out with drunken Australians, I’d stay at home,” Smith said.

The image many outsiders have of Bali — the one depicted in the 2010 Julia Roberts blockbuster “Eat Pray Love” — still exists. Bali remains covered with deep green rice paddies and golden sand stretching into turquoise water. Warm locals still banter with beach-bar-loving foreigners. But it’s not as tranquil these days.

In a little over a year since Bali reopened for international travel, an uptick in unruly behavior from tourists has removed some of the magic from paradise, pushing national and local officials to think up new ways to address offenders.

Reckless driving, social media flashing

From the country’s capital city, a top minister recently advocated for a tax on foreign tourists entering Indonesia to discourage “low-income” visitors. The Bali Tourism Board is promoting an ad campaign asking travelers to behave more respectfully. The local government has recently proposed banning visitors from renting motorbikes to curb reckless driving, CNN reported. And the Indonesian immigration department has been busy deporting foreigners who have been working illegally on tourist visas or breaking local laws.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said in a news briefing that he has proposed revoking the visa-on-arrival program for travelers from Russia and Ukraine, who have been arriving in bigger numbers since the two countries have been at war , although plenty of people of other nationalities have been involved in recent incidents .

Immigration officials announced last week that they deported a Russian man who posted a widely circulated photo to social media that showed him with his pants around his ankles atop Mount Agung, a sacred site for Hindus. Another Russian man was deported in late February for working as a photographer in violation of his residence permit.

Tourism statistics recorded by Bali province show 22,104 Russian visitors came this January , a total second only to Australia, which had 91,254 citizens arrive in the island getaway. From November 2022 to January 2023, Russian tourists accounted for 5.6 percent of Bali’s nearly 997,000 foreign visitors, slightly larger than the 4.8 percent share of visitors from Russia in January 2020.

Reports in foreign media have also covered the traffic accidents and reckless driving, fights with local authorities and immigration violations , topless driving and indecent exposure . There was the foreigner working illegally on a tourist visa to teach Balinese dance and meditation, and the group of foreigners who filed a complaint against crowing roosters in a local neighborhood.

The latter incident baffled Bali native Megah Bintaranny, a product manager for Rainforest Cruises’ Southeast Asia market.

“How do you complain about that? We cannot control chickens,” Bintaranny said.

If the foreigners had been staying at a luxury hotel in a tourist hot spot, that would be one thing. But they were staying in a guesthouse in a residential area, where the noises of rural life abound, roosters and all. “When you choose to live in a local area,” Bintaranny added, “you need to accept [local noises].”

Overtourism on ‘party island’

Bali is part of a growing number of popular travel destinations fed up with overtourism. Hawaii is considering a bill to dissolve its government-sponsored tourism marketing agency. Amsterdam has been trying to reduce rowdy tourist behavior in its Red Light District , rolling out a ban on pot-smoking on the streets there, reducing hours for restaurants and brothels, and tightening some alcohol restrictions. Italian authorities have been fining tourists in Rome , Florence and Venice for littering, camping, vandalism and traffic violations.

The new rules of travel

Like Hawaii, Amsterdam and Italy, Bali is also fed up with tourists who aren’t breaking any laws, but who show little respect for local life.

“We have a lot of tolerance here, … but it’s this behavior of: ‘I am the more important person. Look at me,’” said Fatmawati, an Indonesian personal assistant and freelance photographer who moved to Bali from the island of Java nine years ago. (Fatmawati uses only one name, which is common in Indonesia.) “It’s disgusting. People are tired of it. I’m tired of it.”

Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the head of the Bali government tourism office, told The Washington Post in a written statement that Balinese culture is a source of happiness for locals, so “of course they would be angry” to see foreigners disrespect it: “Destroying their culture means destroying their life.”

When Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, Intrepid Travel’s general manager for Bali operations, moved to Bali in February 2022, “the roads were empty, hotels were empty,” he said. Tourism has increased significantly since then. Intrepid’s bookings in Indonesia have recovered to 2019 levels, and in Bali, “it’s definitely very busy,” he said. “There are tourists everywhere.”

He blames some of the recent issues on ignorance. “To a lot of people, Bali is considered more like a party island,” Shekhawat said. “That could be one of the reasons that people are not very aware about how traditional local people are.”

Being an expat himself, Shekhawat feels disappointed seeing cases like the foreigner who went viral after “having a heated argument” with local people over a traffic detour due to a religious procession — a common occurrence in Bali.

“As an outsider, you may have your opinion, but local people’s opinion should matter as well,” Shekhawat said. “It’s their land, it’s their island, and they should be allowed to follow their culture and tradition as they want to.”

Justin Smith, owner of the luxury travel-planning company the Evolved Traveler , acknowledges that Bali has been known for decades as a “bohemian destination” where foreigners were welcome to behave and dress as they like. He believes it’s often lost on visitors that Bali has expectations for respect and modest dress.

“It was acceptable to a point, but it has now gone too far,” Smith said. “There’s an absolute lack of respect for the destination, and for Bali to be pushed to that extent, that means this bad behavior is pretty extensive.”

Calling out illegal workers on Instagram

Bintaranny thinks shocking behavior is becoming more frequent because of social media. People seem to be pushing boundaries for internet fame, seeing sacred sites as “sexy for their Instagram,” she said. “And for them, it is probably not a big thing, but for Balinese, … it’s just an insult.”

Although social media may amplify each example of misbehavior, Shekhawat believes the majority of visitors aren’t disruptive. Febria Diah Retnoningsih, a counselor of social, cultural and information affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, agreed that the “bad behavior is just one drop in the ocean.”

But the government doesn’t endorse visa abuse or dangerous driving . “It’s the same as other countries,” Shekhawat said. “You cannot work without a work visa, and there are strict regulations to operate a vehicle.”

“Can you imagine taking jobs from locals? Nannies?” — Fatmawati, an Indonesian personal assistant and freelance photographer

Pemayun says it’s important to curb bad behavior, even though the number of offenders is small, to avoid having the issue “spread to other tourists” and “damage the image of Bali tourism in the world.”

Bali has a program to welcome remote workers , but the so-called “second-home visa” comes with a number of requirements, including proof of the equivalent of nearly $129,000 in savings. The current frustration isn’t directed at such residents, but at foreign workers competing with locals for jobs. There are various Instagram accounts that document examples; the one that Fatmawati says creates the biggest stir among locals anonymously reposts content from foreigners advertising their services, presumably without the proper visa.

Passport wait times are up again. Don’t let them spoil a trip.

Under the satirical guise of supporting local small business, the ( currently suspended ) account @moscow_cabang_bali and its backup account share public ads (mostly from Russians, hence the name) selling swim lessons, hair cuts, surf instruction, tattoos, yoga classes and villa rentals.

“They’re bragging about it,” Fatmawati said of the ads. “What is really crazy is that they’re taking jobs like nannies, renting motorbikes. Can you imagine taking jobs from locals? Nannies?”

Asking for respect

Even in the current climate, Fatmawati says tourists to Bali won’t encounter any angst from locals or authorities if they don’t break basic rules, and Pemayun said “Balinese people feel very happy” with the return of tourism.

Shekhawat says that’s been the case for Intrepid Travel’s group tours. Locals seem to welcome the tourists, Shekhawat said, and are understanding that sometimes travelers “may not behave 100 percent as they want them to — but there is a limit to everything.”

To be a better visitor on Bali, Pemayun encourages travelers to “respect cultural values, traditions and local wisdom.” He would like visitors to behave in an orderly manner, be environmentally friendly, stay longer, spend money on local businesses and make repeat visits.

Shekhawat also recommends reading up on cultural norms before your trip, and exploring less-visited areas of Bali than the most popular spots, such as Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. That may entail heading to the northern and western parts of the island, such as West Bali National Park, a wildlife oasis with 160 recorded species of birds. You could also take a ferry to nearby Gili and Lombok islands, where you’ll find more sun, sand and surf — and fewer tourists.

Wherever you go, “please respect our culture,” Retnoningsih said. “That’s what makes Bali, Bali: its rich culture.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .