🇮🇹 Florence Will Punish Every Unprepared Traveler 😤

I’ve traveled smoothly in many cities, but Florence really tested me! This post isn’t a rant—I had an amazing time there! 💫 Every challenge felt like a unique part of the adventure. But still… learn from my lessons! 🫠 Here’s what even easy-going travelers MUST know before visiting Florence ⚠️ 🏨 1️⃣ ACCOMMODATION Stay at a hotel/B&B within walking distance from the train station 🚉, ideally inside the historic center. Why? Taxis in Italy are crazy expensive 🚖💸 I chose a Airbnb with a balcony near Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset and music 🎶🌅… It was only 2km from the station—I thought, “No big deal, I’ll take a taxi.” Then I opened Uber: €40?! 😱 So we ended up dragging our 26-inch suitcase up the hill in the cold wind 🧳💨, not for the view—just to avoid sleeping on the streets. (We did overhear some fascinating stories from fellow travelers on the bus though! 👂✨) 🎫 2️⃣ BUS TICKETS & VALIDATION Option 1: Buy a paper ticket (€1.70) at the station machine. It’s slow—wait about 30 seconds 🐌. Once on board, validate it in the old yellow-black machine ✅. Not the card reader! You’ll hear a stamping sound—it prints date/time on your ticket. Option 2: Use the app “AT Bus” 📲. Enter card details, tap “Use” when boarding. A timer starts—that’s your validation. (We confirmed this with a ticket inspector 👍) Option 3: Tap your credit card/Apple Pay 💳. Locals do this often. 🏛️ 3️⃣ ACCADEMIA GALLERY TICKETS I didn’t know the real David was here! 🗿 “Since I’m here…” I thought. Next day tickets were sold out except evening slots—but that was my sunset time at Michelangelo Hill! So I went at 8 AM to queue… Only 40-50 people ahead? “1 hour max,” I guessed. Ended up waiting 3 hours in the rain 🌧️😭 I asked staff: “When can we get in?” Their reply: “Tomorrow.” 🇮🇹😂 🚄 4️⃣ ROME AIRPORT → FLORENCE There’s one direct train daily from FCO airport to Florence. Book early on Trip.com or official site for better price 🎫. Show the QR code from your email—no need to stamp e-tickets. #Italy #TravelItaly #Florence #FlorenceTravel #TravelTips #PhonePhotography 📸✨