Purchasing Maps
 

I'm visiting Florence next month, and I am wondering if I should purchase a map here before I leave, or buy it in Florence. I have read some reviews on Streetwise books and some think highly of them, and others suggest you spend 5 minutes and go to a tourist shop to buy a map. Any insites!
Thanks,
Joanne

We used our Streetwise Florence quite a bit while there, and don't think we needed any others. At least you know if you purchase a map at home it'll be in English!

I got the Streetwise for Paris, and if it's any indication, I would think Florence would be similar. I was very happy. ((b))

I like having the map ahead of time, so I can mark places I want to see (and my hotel) and get a feel for the geography of the city.

AAA "Europe TravelBook" has a great orientation map of Firenze.

Go to www.viamichelin.com and plug in Firenze for plans at any scale you wish, and click the enlarge link to fill your screen.

I found Streetwise Florence to be all the map I needed, and I like having it to look at before I arrive.

Hi mop,

I have been very pleased with my Streetwise maps.

Just an opinion,
I have used Streetwise for Venice, Rome , and London, and loved them,
But, I returned the Florence one as I found it looked less detailed and helpful.

Knopf has a new series of city maps, and I just bought the one for Florence, although I haven't used it yet. The format is interesting-- fold-out sections that detail a smal area, and a few notes on sites and restaurants, etc.

It IS fun to buy a map once you arrive-- adds to the ambiance-- but sometimes it's nice to be able to study it in advance.

I always buy a good plasticized city map ahead of time for any city I can. It helps a lot with planning, and even upon arrival depending how you will get to your hotel. I haven't used Streetwise for Florence, but found them good in other cities. Other good maps I like which can be found in good US bookstores are Hallweg and B&B. Someone told me the B&B maps are good for Florence (that is Berndtson?)