Florence - Getting Around
Public Transport
Travellers must validate their tickets by punching them in the machine on board the bus. A number of bus passes are available, including a 24-hour pass and a three-day pass. These are also available at newsagents, coffee bars and automatic ticket dispensers.
However, the best way to get around Florence is to walk. The city centre is compact and most of the sights are marked by the clusters of camera-wielding tourists. Visitors should invest in a good street map, although getting lost in the cobbled alleyways is a pleasure in itself.
Taxis
Driving in the City
For visitors making a day trip to Florence by car, the best option is to park in the guarded parking spaces. Blue parking zones have a maximum stay of two hours, while yellow parking spaces allow longer. Sightseers determined to spare their pins but not their pennies, could try the underground car park at Piazza della Stazione. Otherwise, visitors should park at Parterre, near the Piazza della Calza, or Oltrana near Porta Romana. Scratch and Park cards can also be purchased at outlets such as some tabacchi and pasticcerie (addresses given on website) which can be convenient if you have no small change. Information on parking in the city is available from Firenze Parcheggi (tel: (055) 500 1994 or 503 021; website: www.firenzeparcheggi.it).
Car Hire
In order to hire a car, drivers must be at least 23 years old, depending on company policy. All drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit. Despite the popularity of motoring holidays, car hire in Italy is expensive. Basic insurance is usually included in the price with further insurance an optional extra, although the terms of this should always be checked.
Bicycle Hire
There is also a ‘mille e una bici' (tel: (055) 783 882) bicycle rental scheme run by the local council (website: www.comune.firenze.it). Bikes can be hired at various points in the city centre, including the main train station, Santa Maria Novella. Hire times range from one hour to a full day.
Electric cars can also be rented in the city centre from SoloGiallo, Via Borgo Ognissanti 96 (tel: (055) 283 914; website: www.sologiallo.it).
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