Is Florence safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Florence is a safe city for visitors, with low levels of violent crime. The real issues are pickpocketing in crowded places, tourist-trap restaurants and summer heat. Walking around the historic centre in the evening is normal and generally safe.
The real risks
Pickpocketing
Most common around the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi queue, Santa Maria Novella station and on crowded buses. Keep bags zipped and in front of you and phones out of back pockets.
Restaurant traps
Places on Piazza della Signoria and near the Duomo with touts and photo menus charge high prices for reheated food. Check prices, and question a 'servizio' charge that was not printed on the menu.
Street distractions
Petition clipboards, 'free' bracelets and people asking you to sign something are often used to distract or pressure you for money. Politely say no and keep walking.
Traffic and ZTL
Streets are narrow, with scooters and taxis on pavement-less lanes. If you drive, the centre is a restricted zone (ZTL) with cameras and heavy fines for unauthorised cars.
Heat
July and August average about 32–33°C and can be hotter; queues outside museums offer little shade.
Areas and times to take care
The historic centre is safe day and night. Take ordinary care around Santa Maria Novella station and the square in front of it after dark, and in the Cascine park at night, where there have been reports of drug dealing. Busy nightlife spots such as Santo Spirito and Sant'Ambrogio are lively but generally fine.
Getting around safely
The centre is best on foot. Taxis cannot usually be hailed on the street; take them from a taxi rank or call a radio taxi (Florence's main numbers are 055 4242 and 055 4390). Ride-hailing is limited compared with other cities. From the airport, the T2 tram runs to the centre, and taxis charge a flat fare to the city of roughly €25–30, depending on time and luggage. Buses run until about midnight.
Solo and women travellers
Florence is generally comfortable for women travelling alone. Street harassment is usually limited to comments, and a firm no or ignoring it works. Use a taxi rank or radio taxi late at night rather than walking from the station area alone, and watch your drink in busy student bars.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is safe, and public water fountains (fontanelli) offer free still and sometimes sparkling water. The biggest health issue is heat in July and August: carry water, wear a hat and plan museums for midday. Churches require covered shoulders and knees, so a light scarf is useful. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Florence safe at night?
Yes, the historic centre is generally safe at night. Take ordinary care around Santa Maria Novella station and avoid the Cascine park after dark.
What are the common scams in Florence?
Overpriced restaurants with touts on the main squares, bistecca sold by weight without a clear price, oversized gelato bills, and petition or bracelet distractions.
Can I drink the water in Florence?
Yes. Tap water is safe, and the public fontanelli give free still and sometimes sparkling water.