When to Visit - Arts and Events

As in every Italian town and city, Florentines take part in the daily ritual of 'la passaggiata', the evening stroll when, dressed in their finest, they like to see and be seen. Fireworks play a large part in Florentine celebrations, beginning with the 'Scoppio del Carro' (Explosion of the Cart) during midday mass on Easter Sunday when a cart full of fireworks is detonated by a dove-shaped rocket in front of the Duomo. In June the 'Calcio Storico', a football tournament held in one of Florence' main piazzas with competitors dressed in sixteenth-century costume, is followed by a magnificent firework's display above the city.

Florence Dining

Pasta and excellent local produce such as tomatoes and olive oil, added to rich Italian cheeses, all combine to create the wonderful and delightful flavours associated with Italy. However, dining in Florence needn't be restricted to merely a hundred and one varieties of pasta! For an excellent choice in both regional and international cuisine, try one of these recommended restaurants.

Florence Tipping Advice

Expect to tip five percent to waiters in restaurants, as well as a standard service charge. Taxi drivers should get between five and ten percent whereas chambermaids and bellboys should get up to 1,000 ITL. Smaller tips to any other staff are sure to be appreciated, as tipping is widely practised in Italy.