Cheap Car Hire in Florence

About Florence

Florence is one of the most famous cities in Italy, also called the city of love and the capital of Tuscany. It is like a museum where you can admire the Tuscan charm that you should not miss. There are so many incredible things to do in Florence that one trip is not enough, and you will probably want to come back. The soul of Tuscany is marked by the influence of the Renaissance, which is evident in the countless architectural and artistic wonders. You'll be enchanted by the stunning Renaissance architecture, winding streets, and quaint white buildings with red roofs. If you love art, the many galleries will keep you busy for weeks. You'll probably also be impressed by the beautiful sunset over the Ponte Vecchio, the manicured paths of the Boboli Gardens or the magnificent vantage point atop Giotto's Campanile. The city is also an ideal base for touring the Tuscan wineries and restaurants in the area, which should also be a must when visiting Italy.

Basic info and car hire in Florence

• Location: Central Italy
• Population: 709.064
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Transitional Mediterranean Climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Florence are in good condition.
• Car hire in Florence:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Florence is Florence Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Florence!

 Driving in Florence

If you choose to rent a car in Florence, you can quickly get around the city and also, you can use it as a basecamp while exploring Tuscany. However, keep in mind that driving in the city center can be challenging due to the many one-way streets, strict pedestrian zones, narrow streets, and lack of parking. Traffic can be pretty heavy in many parts of the city, and the closer you get to the center, the more cyclists, pedestrians, scooters and other motorcycles appear. There are also many pedestrian zones in the city called ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato), which require a permit to drive. Only residents with this permit (as well as transit, police and emergency vehicles) are allowed to drive in the historic center of Florence.
If you take a road trip in Italy by car, you may plan to drive to Florence. It is usually the best way to see Florence with suburbs, but be aware that you will need to know how to get into the city and where to park as the streets are very narrow and not many hotels have their parking or garage.
Before renting a car in Italy, remember that all the passengers must wear seat belts at all times. A blood alcohol level of more than 0.05 percent is considered intoxicated in Italy. Drivers with a level of 0.05 to 0.08 face fines, up to one month in jail, and community service.

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and one if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not mandatory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 12 may only be taken in the back seat, and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although, in certain areas, the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

What to see in Florence

Florence Cathedral

Possibly the most celebrated Cathedral in the world, the Duomo as it is known in Florence, is the jewel of the city. Initially constructed in 1436, the stunning front facade wasn't completed until the 19th century. Located in the centre of the old town, the Duomo stands out for miles and creates an imposing sight amongst the other medieval buildings

Giotto's Campanile

Many people believe that Giotto's Campanile is connected to the Duomo; however, it is a separate building in its own right. This structure is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is one of the most renowned designs in the city. Split into five distinct levels, the tower's exterior features polychrome marble decoration that is also present on the Duomo in brilliant green and pink colours.

Palazzo Vecchio

While the Duomo is the most important religious building, the Palazzo Vecchio is Florence's most important administrative building. This structure stood as the palace of the Signoria of the Republic of Florence and was also a town hall in later years. Initially built in 1299, the Palazzo was designed by the same architects that worked on the Duomo and the church of Santa Croce. The building almost looks like a castle with a square design and several crenulations; it also has a large bell tower.

 Ponte Vecchio

Florence is full of famous buildings, and the Ponte Vecchio is an extraordinarily famous and old bridge. Spanning the river Arno, the Vecchio Bridge is noted for the number of shops built into the sides of the bridge, its decorated history and the plethora of shops that line the main walkway. History records date the bridge as early as 996, but its true origin is unclear. Walk onto this remarkable structure and look at the various shops and vendors – You will find jewellers, art dealers and souvenir shops. Once at the midpoint, the bridge opens up, and you are rewarded with fantastic views down the River Arno. Aside from walking on the bridge itself, also walk along the Corridoio Vasariano to see the exterior of the Ponte Vecchio and its excellent house-like attachments.

Boboli Gardens

Connected to the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens are immense and beautiful. Covering an area of 45,000 square meters, the gardens are some of the largest in Florence and are a true delight to walk through. Created in the 16th century, the Boboli Gardens feature various sections, including the main lawn with a fountain and obelisk, a selection of worldly trees, plants and flowers, and several large ponds complete with water features.

Piazzale Michelangelo

This square offers the best view of Florence and the Cathedral in the entire city. Located on the South banks of the River Arno, the Piazzale Michelangelo sits high on a hill near the Boboli Gardens and the Palazzo Pitti. In the centre of the square stands a wonderful Bronze statue of David, and at the edge of the square, there is a series of vendors and artists selling their wares. The view from the Piazza is unrivalled, and you can genuinely see Florence in all its glory, framed against the River Arno. If you are looking for a truly memorable photograph, this is the place to be!