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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Palazzo Vecchio Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | cultura.comune.fi.it |
Italy – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in cities. While larger establishments and chains are fully cashless, smaller shops may still prefer cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Italy, especially in restaurants where 10-15% is typical. Tipping for taxi drivers is usually rounded up or 5-10%. Small tips for hotel staff are also appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Italy, especially in public squares and during festivals. In some regions, it is illegal to drink alcohol in certain areas like public transport or near schools. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside. |
| Ferragosto (August) |
Many businesses close, and Italians take holidays. It’s very busy in tourist areas. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas markets and festivities are popular, expect higher prices and crowded attractions. |
| La Befana (January) |
Celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany is a public holiday with festive events, and some businesses close. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Free Now, ItTaxi |
| Other: | Italy's tourist infrastructure is well-developed, but some rural or historical areas may require extra planning for accessibility. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Palazzo Vecchio, Italy
Tower closed in rain and strong winds; museum open daily, shorter hours on Thursdays
Last Sunday of June: Calcio Storico final on Piazza Santa Croce
Don't miss
- 🏰 Climb Arnolfo Tower for stunning Florence views
- 🎨 Explore the richly decorated Salone dei Cinquecento
- 🌿 Wander the courtyards adorned with Renaissance sculptures
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Palazzo Vecchio stands as a testament to Florence’s political history and Renaissance grandeur. Originally built at the end of the 13th century as a city hall, it later became the residence of the powerful Medici family, complete with lavish frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and other Renaissance masters.
The palace features the vast Salone dei Cinquecento, adorned with monumental frescoes depicting Medici victories and Florentine power. Visitors can explore decorated private chambers, the Hall of Lilies and climb the Torre di Arnolfo for panoramic city views.
An intriguing highlight is the Secret Passages tour, which uncovers hidden staircases and tunnels used by the Medici to move secretly within the palace. The palace continues to serve as Florence’s town hall, blending its civic role with its museum function.
Be mindful that the palace can get busy during peak seasons and the tower climb involves steep stairs that might not suit those with mobility issues. Booking tickets and tours in advance is recommended to avoid long lines.
Knowledge before you go
- Courtyards free; museum and tower need tickets.
- Book tower climb timed slots early; 223 steps offer stunning Florence rooftop panoramas.
- Secret passages tour reveals Medici escape routes and hidden studiolo behind fresco walls.
- Salone dei Cinquecento's massive ceiling battles painted over original Vasari-Michelangelo feud.
How to travel to Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is located in the heart of Florence and is within walking distance from the Santa Maria Novella train station and central bus stops. Visitors arriving by plane at Florence Airport Peretola can take taxis or shuttle services into the city center easily.
Access summary
- From Florence Airport (FLR): Tram or taxi to historic center, about 25–35 minutes.
- From Rome: High-speed train to Firenze S. M. Novella, then 15-minute walk.
- From Milan: High-speed train to Firenze S. M. Novella, short walk or quick bus.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Palazzo Vecchio
Florence’s historic center around Piazza della Signoria offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses, perfect for easy access to Palazzo Vecchio and the city’s Renaissance wonders.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Palazzo Vecchio
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 1% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is generally safe for visitors, with well‑patrolled streets and a strong police presence. Petty theft can occur near popular sites; keep valuables secure, stay aware of pickpockets and follow local advice to ensure a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Palazzo Vecchio offers limited accessibility: a few elevators serve the main floors, but many historic rooms remain on stairs. Wheelchair users can access the entrance and upper galleries via ramps, yet narrow corridors and uneven steps pose challenges for mobility‑impairment visitors.
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