Packing List for arriving in Florence

Now that spring has finally arrived, tourists will be booking their spring/summer holiday in Florence, Tuscany.   How exciting! Your first time to Italy, the excitement, adventure, hullabaloo, frenzy and trepidation.  What will Florence be like, you wonder. But before any of that can come to light, you must figure out how to make your baggage light. :)

Florence is a very walkable city.  As big as it looks on a map, it is so easy to get around by foot.

1. Good GREAT Walking shoes–These GREAT shoes are essential when you plan on walking from one site to another all day long.  Obviously if you get tired of walking around the Uffizi, sit for a coffee or late lunch at Lorenzaccio .
2. Camera–Even if you aren’t an avid photographer, you must capture this city to share with family at home.  Some places that would be great for photo ops are Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato.  Outside of the center, there is Fiesole, take bus number 7 from Piazza San Marco.
3. Map– An important thing to bring with you instead of getting the one from the hotel or tourist office.  They are badly done.  I suggest buying the Florence and Tuscany guidebook by Eyewitness Travel.  It has a great map inside.
4. Passport carrier–As strainieri(foreigners) in Italy, you must always carry your passport with you.  Purchase something like this.  The carabinieri reminded me of this recently.
5. Mosquites–Ok you need not pack them, but the mosquites here are called zanzara tigre. They arrived from Asia and are very nasty insects.  They are incredibly fast and hard to kill.  Even if you hit them as hard as possible they will fly away.  For some odd reason they seem to have super powers.  Their bite is most painful as well.  My suggestion (if you are coming in the spring/summer/fall) bring bug spray.  If you are staying in an apartment or villa inside or outside the center, I also suggest buying a repellent called VAPE.  It kills them like THAT. (finger snap!)

What to wear in Florence

1. In churches–You must cover your shoulders and don’t wear short  skirts.  They will not let you into the church.  Be respectful when you dress to visit a church.
2. Scarves– They are quite popular to wear.  Since you never know what the temperature is going to be when the sun sets.  They are sold in the markets in case you want a souvenir to take home.
3. Umbrella–Again, the weather is rather unpredictable in Florence.  It can be sunny one second and the next pouring rain. A good thing to pack if you have room.  If not they are sold in stores all over the city.
4. Wear layers–Especially in the Spring and Fall, you will never know what each day will bring.
5. Dress comfortably but respectful– Remember you are a guest in Italy.  Florence has invited you into its walls; dress nice, elegantly when you can but also comfortable for you.

Katie Greenaway