The historic city centre of Florence
Florence - the cradle of the Renaissance, city of art and the perfect Instagram snapshots. But the good old tourist trap lurks between Michelangelo and the Medici. And the Florentines are masters of their trade.
Florence was already turning beauty into cash in the 15th century. Here are the ten biggest stumbling blocks so that you can stroll through Florence in a relaxed manner - without straining your holiday budget unnecessarily.
1. overpriced gelaterias on the cathedral square
Yes, the temptation is great: an ice cream within sight of the cathedral - what could be better? Perhaps an ice cream that doesn't cost almost 10 euros for a mini scoop. Many of the gelaterias around the cathedral or on the Ponte Vecchio charge horrendous prices and rely on unsuspecting tourists. Tip: Ask about the prices beforehand and, if in doubt, go a few streets further where you can also hear Italian in the queue.
2. "Free" bracelets and other souvenirs
As soon as you set foot in the Piazza della Signoria, you are offered a friendly smile and a "gift" - often a colourful thread or a bracelet. If you grab it, seconds later you will be asked to pay "voluntarily". Our advice: smile, politely decline and move on.
3. restaurants with hidden surcharges
A pizza for 8 euros? Sounds fair - until service charges plus coperto (charge for bread and cover) are added. This can quickly add 20 to 30 per cent to the bill, especially in the tourist hotspots. Better: ask before ordering or head for small trattorias in the side streets - they often have honest prices and authentic cuisine.
4th Panini for a fortune
A dry sandwich for 12 euros - no joke. Especially on the Ponte Vecchio, the prices for fast food are an adventure in themselves. If you want to experience Italian street food, you should head to markets such as the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. A paradise for connoisseurs.
5. counterfeit leather bags
Florence is famous for its leather goods - but not every handbag that promises to be "Made in Italy" is actually handmade in Tuscany. Street stalls around San Lorenzo often sell mass-produced goods from the Far East. You can recognise quality by the careful workmanship - and the genuine smell of leather.
6. overpriced museum tours
Of course, it makes sense to book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia in advance - but not with dubious agencies that charge double admission prices. Better: secure tickets via the official websites or use reputable providers.
7. taxi journeys without a taximeter
Taxis in Florence are actually obliged to keep the taximeter running. But around railway stations or tourist hotspots such as Piazzale Michelangelo, you often hear: "Prezzo fisso!" - a supposedly "good" fixed price, which of course turns out to be hefty. Always insist on switching on the taximeter!
8. tourist menus with frozen food
Some restaurants in the centre offer "menù turistico" - or directly "tourist menu": three courses for a seemingly sensational price. Unfortunately, these menus are often a culinary disaster - with reheated pasta and tough meat. It's better to look for an authentic restaurant and choose from the menu yourself.
9. rooftop bars with expensive minimum consumption
Some hotel roof terraces or rooftop bars in Florence charge a high minimum consumption - you often have to order a drink for 20 euros or more, even if you just want to enjoy the view. The bars around the Piazza della Repubblica or at luxury hotels in the historic centre are particularly popular, but also expensive. If you want to save money, sit down with a bottle of wine in Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the sunset with a free panorama guarantee.
10. guided tours that offer nothing new
A three-hour guided tour of the "Secrets of Florence" for 70 euros? Sounds exciting - if it weren't for the fact that many providers simply read out the Wikipedia article. Do your research in advance and book small, certified tours or discover Florence on your own with a good travel guide or a good app.
No need to panic: You feel very safe in Florence. A little caution, a pinch of common sense and a good ice cream on the right corner - and your stay will be unforgettable.
