Florence needs no introduction. It’s the city that gave birth to Dante, was home to Michelangelo and has inspired whole generations with its palaces, museums and its timeless Renaissance feel.
But between taking a selfie in front of the Cathedral and finding the best artisan ice cream, there’s a polite (but firm) invitation that the city extends to its visitors: #EnjoyRespectFirenze.
This campaign is not just a hashtag; it’s an invitation to experience Florence not only as a tourist, but as a responsible guest. Because enjoying the city is an art, and like every art form, it needs care, respect and a bit of decorum.
The good tourist’s handbook: how not to make a bad impression
It’s not hard to be a respectful tourist in Florence; you just need a bit of common sense and awareness of your surroundings. Just remember: you’re walking among people who are working, studying and going about their daily lives. You’re not on a film set, but in a real city, with a beating heart and spaces that need to be shared.
So, keep the noise down: whilst your excitement is understandable, the decibels can wait. Avoid singing, shouting, making loud phone calls. Florence is already full of its own music; it doesn’t need an improvised soundtrack.
Dress appropriately, especially if you’re going inside churches or holy sites: covered shoulders and plain clothing are signs of respect, not medieval religious rules. And lastly, be careful where you stop: pavements, shop entrances and pedestrian streets are not relaxation areas. Don’t sit down in the middle of where people are walking and don’t take up spaces where people need to get through.
These are simple actions, of course, but they make the difference between any usual tourist and a visitor whom Florence will welcome back with open arms. Here’s some more advice to bear in mind during your stay:
The Cathedral and its square are watching you
The Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its dome by Brunelleschi, is the beating heart of Florence. Every year, millions of people stop to admire it, take photos and climb its 463 steps. It’s a monument to human creativity… and to patience, as at certain times of year the queue can be quite long.
But a word of caution: eating your lunch on the steps or leaving water bottles lying around is not exactly showing much respect. By all means be enthralled and gaze at this beautiful sight, but there’s no need to turn the square into an improvised picnic spot.
In and around the Uffizi Gallery: this art museum is alive, treat it with care
Visiting the Uffizi is like stepping into a book on the history of art, but the book is actually real and three-dimensional. Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo, Rafael… they all have their fans. And yet, in the middle of all this beauty, there’s always someone who gets carried away with a camera flash or commenting too loudly.
Remember that the museum not only houses a collection of art, but it’s a living place that deserves silence, respect and maybe also a short pause to reflect on what you’re looking at. And no, you don’t have to post everything in real time. Sometimes, looking is more than enough.
The Ponte Vecchio: feel romantic, but with style
The Ponte Vecchio is the symbol of Florentine romance. It’s hard to resist the charms of its ancient shops and the lights reflecting on the River Arno. But also here, you can show your love for the city by behaving appropriately: no attaching padlocks to the parapets, no defacing the ancient stonework with declarations of love. You can be in love and respectful at the same time. The bridge already holds centuries of stories; it doesn’t need any more marks carved into it with a penknife.
Piazzale Michelangelo: a view with good manners
One of the city’s most stunning views can be enjoyed from Piazzale Michelangelo. This is where the sunset turns Florence into an impressionist painting, and where people often come at the end of the day to meet up with friends.
A perfect plan, as long as you don’t leave a trail of rubbish, bottles and cigarette ends behind you. The city is for everyone; so let’s try to keep it that way; save any evidence of your visit for your photos (and maybe for some nice memories to recall).
Eat, drink, but without intruding
We all know that Tuscan cuisine is one of the tastiest in Italy. From bistecca alla fiorentina to pappa al pomodoro, every dish is an experience. But there’s no need to eat everything on the street, maybe sitting on some church steps or at the entrance to a museum. We’d advise you to enjoy the local cuisine in the right places, i.e. in traditional restaurants or those favoured by the locals! Perhaps sitting at a table with a view, watching the world go by.
Move around peacefully: on foot, on a bike or on public transport
Florence is a city that’s very walkable. There’s a surprise on every corner: a traditional shop, a secret courtyard, an unexpected headstone. A bike is also a quick, fun and eco-friendly way to get around the city (and if you don’t have one, there’s always bike sharing!); and thirdly, the bus and tram network connects the main points of interest, the station and the airport.
The #EnjoyRespectFirenze campaign promotes sustainable and responsible mobility, as beauty needs to be appreciated slowly, with no collisions or car horns.
The #EnjoyRespectFirenze campaign: an invitation, more than a message
Devised by Florence City Council, this campaign has been created to promote responsible tourism, to prevent the city from becoming a “theme park” for uninformed visitors. Through a combination of posters, videos, social communication and local initiatives, #EnjoyRespectFirenze aims to educate without moralising, to invite politely but firmly.
The official website of the campaign (which we’d advise you to visit) features some useful materials, advice on how to behave, events relating to sustainability and tips on how to be a more ethical tourist. How to enjoy Florence as a performer, rather than just a spectator.
Some insider tips on the smart way to enjoy Florence
- Be smart with your timings: visit the sights first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon. Fewer crowds, more charm.
- Stray off the beaten track: from San Niccolò to Oltrarno, Florence has some authentic and less crowded spots.
- Support the local artisans: buy from small producers, visit the traditional shops. This is the best way of finding a true piece of Florence to take home with you.
- Use reusable water bottles: the city has plenty of drinking fountains for refilling them.
- Take part in local events: markets, fairs, shows. You’ll discover a Florence that’s alive, aside from the usual itineraries.
Florence will welcome you with its history, its works of art and its breathtaking beauty. But it asks something of you in return: your respect. Because only then can this fragile balance between the past and present continue to charm those who’ll be coming here after you.
So do, of course, enjoy Florence. But do it with style, with awareness, with that bit of respect that makes every trip more authentic. Because when you treat it well, beauty will always come back to you.
