All About Florence With Kids: Important Information To Know

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A young girl sits in a carousel seat in Piazza della Repubblica. — Photo Courtesy: Sara Bičanić

If you want to know all about Florence with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Florence, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Florence with kids and the best hotels in Florence for families. Keep reading for all about Florence for families!

At a Glance

Left Image: Two kids jump together with an umbrella on a Florentine street. Right Image: A young boy jumps while holding a green umbrella on a street in Florence. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Before you visit Florence with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information all about Florence with kids. If you need more help planning your Florence vacation with kids, feel free to check out Florence’s official tourism website for more information.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Florence local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Florence is the Euro. It is widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. Florence operates 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT +2. Click here to see Florence’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

Italian is the official language of Florence. While many locals will also speak English, knowing a few words in Italian can enhance your experience.

If you’re planning an extended trip to Florence or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Florence for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In Florence, the standard voltage is 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins. In Italy, the power plugs and sockets are of types F and L.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Florence climate will be helpful before you depart. 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. July is the hottest month in Florence with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C) and the coldest is January at 45°F (7°C) with the most daily sunshine hours in July. The wettest month is November with an average of 102mm of rain. Check the current forecast on Accuweather.

Health Information

A dad holds a young baby with Ponte Vecchio in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Jessica Forse

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Florence with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Florence with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Florence with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Some accessible hospitals in Florence include the Hospital of Innocents, Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer, and Ospedale Santa Maria Nuova.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Florence soon, you’re probably wondering about Florence’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15th, 2022, Florence has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Florence’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Florence with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Emergency Services

A view of Ponte Vecchio through the trees from a distance. — Photo Courtesy: Ilse Orsel

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Florence with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Florence with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Florence, dial 112. Alternatively, if you need police assistance in Florence, you can call 100. You can also call 102 to reach an ambulance in Florence.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Florence safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Florence is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Italy. Florence is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it’s sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people on the street may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s Florence Travel Advisory here.

Florence for Kids

Two kids smile in front of the infamous Fontana Del Porcellino. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Visiting Florence with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Florence? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Florence with kids. We suggest Angels Association and Italia Kids. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Florence. Take a look at Babonbo, Bambino Equipment Hire, and plenty of other options in Florence.

Transportation

A view of the Florence skyline, including the famous Duomo. — Photo Courtesy: Ali Nuredini

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Florence with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Florence for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car, you need to learn all about Florence with kids concerning car seat laws. According to the Italian law about passenger safety, any time you sit in a vehicle fitted with seat belts, it’s compulsory to wear them. Children who are under 36 kg (97 pounds) or 150 cm (4 ft, 9 in) must use appropriate child restraints, which are of two kinds: child car seats and boosters.

Transportation Services

To get around Florence, the best way is by foot. We recommend wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes and exploring this intimate city’s slender streets – and all of the Renaissance architecture, quaint shoe shops, and tasty Tuscan restaurants along the way. The streets are easy to navigate, but if you want a little guidance sign up for a walking tour.

If your feet get weary from walking, you can hop aboard one of the city’s efficient ATAF buses – but remember to validate your ticket once you get on. Taxis are expensive here: The meter starts at about 3 euros ($3.40) on weekdays and Saturdays, and is even higher on Sundays as well as between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you’re on a budget, you should use taxis sparingly. In fact, many travelers rely on them only for transportation to and from the Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence Train Station). You should also note that it’s illegal to hail taxis here. Call ahead or head to an official taxi rank (line) found at most major squares.

Local Airlines

To get into the city, many travelers fly to Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) in Pisa. Then, they take the train to the main station, Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Alternatively, you can fly into Aeroporti di Roma – Fiumicino (FCO), and then take the fast train to Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella in Florence.

For more information on transportation in Florence, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Florence with Kids

A large market is set up in the piazza in front of the Duomo of Florence, selling paintings and other wares.

Searching for more tips all about Florence with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Florence with kids!

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in Florence can save families a lot of misunderstanding. In Florence, like many European destinations, there are no strict tipping rules and tipping is relatively uncommon. There are some guidelines, however. Tipping for tour guides (free or paid tours) is common. At the end of your tour, a few Euros per person in cash is customary. Hotel porters and housekeepers are also tipped positions. For hotel porters, one Euro per bag, up to 5 Euros, is appropriate, while one Euro/day is recommended for housekeepers at the end of your stay. Additionally, you may receive service at a gas station for a fill-up, a few Euros is typical. Then, for spa experiences or other similar services, up to 10% is standard.

Tipping at restaurants can vary. For example, if you order counter-service food or drinks, like an espresso at the counter, tipping is not common, nor is it expected. However, at a sit-down restaurant, a Euro or two, up to 10% of the bill, is appropriate for exceptional service. Finally, it’s also important to know the difference between “coperto” and “servicio”. Coperto, is not a charge that goes to the waiter. It is a service charge applied by the restaurant and is listed on the menu (it covered bread, cutlery, etc.). ‘Servizio’, however, is a service charge (you do not leave a tip if service is included).

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Florence, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see; so it’s important information to know about visiting Florence. Check the Florence National Holidays for more information here.

Things to Do in Florence with Kids

Two kids, with an instructor, learn to make marble art while in Florence. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Once you’ve learned all about Florence with kids, you’ll want to decide what to do. Showcasing centuries of history, art, and culture, Florence is an excellent destination for travelers with children.

Family fun is in abundance, whether you want to take a walk in Florence’s city center, run around Piazza Santa Maria Novella, or climb the tower of Florence’s Duomo. Families who want a historical perspective can walk across the river on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, marvel at the wonderful Boboli Gardens, visit one of Florence’s child-friendly museums, and much more! There are so many family things to do in Florence that it can be challenging to figure out how to do it all.

Book your Florence tours and things to do here with Getyourguide.com or Viator! Both offer “reserve now and pay later” as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Planning a Florence itinerary? Read 20+ Things You Cannot Miss When Visiting Florence With Kids to know what to add to your family itinerary!

Where to Stay in Florence with Kids

A porter walks near the entrance to Hotel Savoy in Florence on a sunny day. — Photo Courtesy: Hotel Savoy

Looking for the best places to stay in Florence with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Florence with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. If you are planning an upcoming family vacation to Florence, you can check out the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, a grand palatial hotel overlooking Giardino Della Gherardesca.

Families who want to stay in an upscale hotel near Santa Maria del Fiore and the Uffizi Gallery will love Palazzo Vecchietti, which offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Hotel Lungarno is set along the river overlooking Ponte Vecchio, and St. Regis Florence is only a 10-minute walk from the train station. Finally, Hotel Savoy is another great option for families to consider when staying in Florence!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.