GET AROUND
Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. Walking is not only an easy way to get around, it also offers the chance to 'take in' much more of the city life.
Much of the town centre is blocked off to cars and anyway moving around in the city centre by car is definitely useless and not advised. Parking is also almost impossible in the city centre. A car can be useful only to reach some destinations just outside the city centre, like Fiesole or Settignano, which are however also connected by bus service. Be advised that at many tourist destinations parking can be difficult and at least expensive. Firenze and surroundings were not built for cars... Motor-bikes and bicycles are common; pay attention to them since they tend to behave in an apparently disorganised but efficient way, which can put the unsuspecting car driver into trouble.
Some of the hotels actually provide their guest with free bicycles as well. There is also a bike rental service organised by the city. Bikes can be hired at several points in the city (and returned to the same place), among which the most convenient for tourists is located at SMN station (other locations are at all railway stations, but often with restricted opening hours). Bike shops also rent bikes and some of them organise guided bike tours in the countryside.
Taxis are available, but it's best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead. Taxis can be called by phone and the nearest is sent to you through the company's radio system. There is apparently a waiting list, so it is difficult and uncommon to flag them down on the street.
CONTACT
Since there are a large number of tourists around, the center of Florence is brimming with webcafés and telephone call centers. Most evenings there are long lines for access to the phone-booths.
You can also buy a pre-paid card which will give you a steep discount on international calls by dialing a special number.
STAY SAFE
Florence is generally safe, but take precautions against the opportunistic thieves common to major tourist attractions - pickpockets and purse snatchers. Savvy thieves congregate in crowds, particularly around Santa Maria Novella train station. If you have a pocketbook with a classy, noiseless zipper, it will be opened. Also exercise caution on buses: pickpockets can be active on crowded ones and, as everywhere, they preferably target tourists. Occasionally, some type of beggars can be too much insisting and also hide a thief second nature. Again, nothing new to major tourist spots.
STAY HEALHTHY
Beware of Stendhal syndrome, namely, dizziness caused by being overwhelmed by Florence's fantastic art. Yes, it's a real syndrome, named after 19th-century French author Stendhal, who suffered from it during his stay in Florence. If you get overwhelmed, rest your eyes and legs, get some food (remember gelato?), and save the rest of Florence for tomorrow.
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