It is important to know that Florence’s main historic center is relatively small so that it is easy to move around on foot. Using a car around Florence is not advisable, as there is little parking, many streets are pedestrian only and streets are often one-ways. A fleet of small electric buses also provide links between main key areas in the center.
Make sure to ask for a map of Florence at one of the five tourist information offices so you can plan your movements around the city. Maps at your disposal in all our apartments.
BY CAR
If you decide to come to Florence by car, the following information may prove useful. Given its historic nature, the city center is clearly not designed for modern traffic needs and vehicles. Because of this, getting around by car may cause some difficulties. The area of greatest tourist interest coincides with the ZTL (“Zona a Traffico Limitato” or Limited Traffic Zone), a restricted traffic area controlled by a network of video cameras. Since Florence’s historic center is a UNESCO Heritage Site, it makes sense to protect it in this way.
The “ZTL” area has several entrance or “access” points which are clearly marked with EU regulation traffic signs and equipped with video surveillance cameras that automatically detect and photograph license plates of all vehicles passing through.
Temporary permits allow tourists in card to reach your accommodation or commercial parking areas (such as garages). Communicate your license plate to your accommodation or garage and they are the ones that will obtain the permit for you to enter the ZTL. The permit will be issued for a maximum of 2 hours for baggage transport services on the day of arrival and day of departure. Garages can obtain temporary permits to transit from the access point to their location as well if you use your car on other days. Otherwise, you are expected to park outside the ZTL.
PARKING /GARAGE
Santa Croce aerea – Garage Verdi, Via da Verrazzano 9 – tel. 055/tel 055.244921 Cost € 18-24/day
Ponte Vecchio aerea – Garage Ponte Vecchio, Via dei Bardi 45r Tel. 055.2398600 € 25-40/day