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How to Enjoy Florence Safely and Smartly
Florence is truly a beautiful city. The city itself is like a museum, and every walk through it is filled with awe.
But if you get too caught up in this beauty, there will be a moment when your bag opens or you are embarrassed after paying 15 euros for a gelato.
I, too, often witness this on the ground and hear stories from those who have actually suffered. So, while it's upsetting, I'll make sure to address it.
Beware of pickpockets! SMN Station to Duomo & Leather Market
The road from Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station to the Duomo and the alley leading to the leather market are areas frequented by pickpockets.
🚶♀️ Walking distances to watch out for
Via de' Cerretani
This is the most famous main street leading from SMN station to Duomo.
Although there are many tourists and the road is relatively wide, it is an area easily accessible to pickpockets.
Especially during rush hour or when you are lugging a large suitcase, it is common for your bag to be opened or swiped from behind.
Via dei Calzaiuoli
It is the central shopping street that runs from the Duomo to Piazza della Signoria.
Pickpockets disguised as gypsies or tourists are active while you are busy shopping or taking pictures.
Via dell'Ariento / Via Nazionale / Via Sant'Antonino
Walking distance from SMN station to Mercato di San Lorenzo or the Leather Market.
The area is narrow and crowded, and there are many food markets and souvenir shops, so it's easy to get distracted.
People who carry their bags on their backs or walk around with their handbags open are especially vulnerable to being targeted.
📌 Tip: Always carry your bag on your front and use a lock on your backpack.
Never put valuables in zippered pockets. If someone suddenly starts talking to you, offers you flowers, or approaches you with a map, these are potential pickpocket signals. Avoid them immediately.
Never put valuables in zippered pockets. If someone suddenly starts talking to you, offers you flowers, or approaches you with a map, these are potential pickpocket signals. Avoid them immediately.
Traditionally Dressed Scammers Near Piazza della Signoria & Dante's House
Gypsy women in traditional attire with white powder, at first glance you might wonder, 'Who is that person?'
At first, they will hold out their hand and beg, but if you hesitate even for a moment, they will gradually come closer and force something into your hands or go after your belongings.
At first, they will hold out their hand and beg, but if you hesitate even for a moment, they will gradually come closer and force something into your hands or go after your belongings.
📌 Tip: Say 'NO' firmly and never make eye contact.
Don't be scared, just pass by and most of them won't chase you.
Don't be scared, just pass by and most of them won't chase you.
Gelato scam, near Ponte Vecchio
This is one of the most common types of scams in Florence.
If you go into a random store and say, "I'm just going to have some gelato, what's the big deal?" and end up paying 15 euros, you'll be shocked.
If you go into a random store and say, "I'm just going to have some gelato, what's the big deal?" and end up paying 15 euros, you'll be shocked.
Some stores in this area hide their price tags in places that are hard to see, and then charge exorbitant prices for things like adding cream or upgrading the size.
📌 Tip: Always check the price before ordering + be sure to check Google reviews!
There are plenty of delicious and reasonably priced gelato places in Florence. Don't shed any tears.
There are plenty of delicious and reasonably priced gelato places in Florence. Don't shed any tears.
Floor painting fraud, in front of the baptistery & near Giotto's bell tower
Paintings scattered on the street... If you step on them without thinking, you will hear, “You stepped on my painting, so buy it!”
This happens really quickly.
This happens really quickly.
📌 Tip: Don’t panic and shout “Polizia!” loudly.
Even if the police aren't nearby, they'll run away in fear. Just ignore them and walk away.
Even if the police aren't nearby, they'll run away in fear. Just ignore them and walk away.
📘 Want to know the real Florence?
Other than the routes that only tourists take,
Are you curious about local favorites, small attractions, wine bar recommendations, and even gelato spots in Florence?
Are you curious about local favorites, small attractions, wine bar recommendations, and even gelato spots in Florence?
👉 You can only see this in the Florence guidebook.
It's packed with only the most helpful information.
For a trip without regrets, check it out before you go! ⬇️⬇️
It's packed with only the most helpful information.
For a trip without regrets, check it out before you go! ⬇️⬇️
Florence BEST3 Tours
Chiara, an Italian certified guide, presents the essential Uffizi tour with 53 works.
Florence Duomo Tour (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
Giotto's Campanile, a place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Florence
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