What clothes?
 

I will be in Florence and the rest of Tuscany May 11-21. The weather forecast looks wet and in the mid to high 70s. Is it going to feel hot and humid? Should I take a light raincoat? What about shoes?
Living in Seattle that has just become nice and dry, I hope the weather in Florence will turn out nicer than the current forecast...thanks a lot

I would take shoes, if I were you.

I would prefer a wind-and-rain-resistant jacket with a hood rather than a raincoat. It packs up nicely and you really wouldn't need anything longer. If you wear a lightweight wool cardigan under it, it will be fine for chilly mornings and evenings.

Spring is the best season to visit Tuscany. In Florence the temperatures are higher than the other areas in may.
You will need light and casual clothes and a light raincoat. You should bring sneakers and saldals too. If you are lucky, the sun will shine and your trip will be wonderful.

In spring I always take a tissue weight rain jacket with hood that folds up into a tiny pouch. That on top of a tee or perhaps long-sleeve shirt I have always found to be enough.

If you feel the cold a LOT (I don't - the weather you describe is plenty warm for me) you might take a very light cotton sweater for chillier evenings.

Agree with the above and definitely take some close toed shoes with good soles. Either way you can use them for rainy days or evil cobblestones or a little walking or hiking.

Lucky you ! May in the countryside is so gorgeous. Be sure to get out into the hills and enjoy the red poppies.

Buon viaggio!

Thank you very muc everyone! I small very excited about my trip to Florence! I will take sneakers and sandals. I will also take a raincoat that has a stackable layer. Anything else? Thanks again

Bring lots of money because shopping is very good in Florence.;)
Was just there in March and wish I was still there, have a great time!

Bring your appetite too as the food is sensational.

Nice raincity girl! How much euro would you advise to get from the bank before i leave?

I wouldn't get any money from your bank before you leave, because you'll pay your bank exorbitant fees to do so. Just use your ATM card to get cash once you arrive from any ATM machine (they are everywhere), and hope your own bank doesn't charge you excessive fees (there shouldn't be any at all...at the most the 1% normal Visa fee).

There are plenty of low-cost opportunities to buy extra clothing should you encounter inclement weather once you're there, BTW. We were in Paris last week, not entirely prepared for snow, and I bought a pair of gloves for 1.5 euros and a scarf for 2 euros, so don't fret if you don't pack perfectly and need to pick up a few things en route.

As StCirq says you can just get cash from an ATM once you are there. I do like to have a little cash already to start off with so I get a couple hundred euro just so I don't have to rush out to an ATM right away. ( I only like to use the ones attached to a bank, preferably the one associated with my bank so my bank doesn't charge me fees)

I like to have cash for the taxi from the airport (20.00 euro from Peretola airport into Florence by the way)

And I wouldn't worry about having a lot of clothing to keep warm, it is more likely to be on the warm side. Maybe have one of those little folding umbrellas in case it rains and a very light raincoat and some kind of sweater just in case. But there are lots of shopping opportunities.
And yes, there are cheaper things but there are also more expensive but very very nice things! ( I had to buy an extra suitcase to bring home my shopping.)

Yes. I am very excited about the shopping opportunities. I definitely need a leather vest! I am a petite so in general in USA everything needs alterations...
As for umbrella, the Westin Florence said they offer that for free. I hope they don't run out!
I believe it was the BNL bank that was associated with BOA in USA. I understand from what you wrote that getting cash from the ATM in Florence will cost less than from BOA here?! I am considering getting 200 euro from my bank. How about that?

Will sneakers be ok for the wet weather? I am thinking boots will be too hot!

Thank you very much

You can never go wrong with Gucci!

You go, Gucci!

Thin

Sneakers are OK as long as they're all leather. Boots would be a disaster.

But I would always have a pair of really comfy walking shoes (I do Skechers Mary Janes which fit my feet and are still kind of cute). Also I always bring a tissue weight rain jacket that is reversible and folds into a tiny pouch - and dries in about an hour.

Oh I'm sure the Westin will have plenty of umbrellas! Make sure you have a drink in their bar.

Yes BNL is the one I use too. There is a BNL just off Piazza Repubblica. It used to be on the right hand corner as you enter under the big arch facing toward La Rinascente department store, and in fact, their signage is still up there but it is now across the side street and down slightly.

The advantage of using an affiliated bank's ATM is that your own bank usually charges you a fee for using an ATM that is not theirs. (this is on top of whatever the exchange rate is) I think what others were telling you is that you get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from an overseas ATM rather than buying euro from your home bank. I am willing to suck up that small difference in order to just have a bit of cash on me when I arrive. (and yes, 200 will be plenty.)

Boots will be too hot, I didn't even need boots in March.

<<I understand from what you wrote that getting cash from the ATM in Florence will cost less than from BOA here?>>



Don't buy euros from BOA in advance unless you're fond of usury. BOA is about the worst bank to deal with in terms of international travel. You can join a credit union, for free, that won't charge you a cent for international exchanges.

You don't need boots. Comfortable, good-looking leather sneakers will be fine anywhere.

<i> Sneakers are OK as long as they're all leather. </i>

Why on earth should they be all leather?

indeed bvlenci, why would they need to be leather?
My favorite sneakers are flyknit from Nike. Any colour.

ok, leather because of the wet weather? I have leather booties but my sneakers are just asics...

August77, they don't need to be leather. It doesn't matter as long as they are really comfortable if you will be doing lots of walking.

August77, there are so many options for shopping in Florence! I bought my best pairs of shoes there, near Piazza Santa Croce. I also live in Seattle and went to Italy wearing my ugly Merrell Moab Ventilator with green Superfeet inserts. I had a light NorthFace rain jacket with me and it was sufficient, although definitely not as stylish as what the Italians wear themselves.

I was there in April and it was too hot. I bought several italian-made leather shoes while touring Florence. Italian-made shoes are so rare nowadays in the US. Good luck to you!

I am so envious.

You can compare how much it cost to get Euro from BofA at home vs. from an ATM in Italy. All the info are listed at the BofA web site.

€200 example
Official rate 5/2, 1 EURO = $1.15

1. EURO ordered from BofA (8.4% premium over offical rate)
BA rate: 1 EURO = $1.2092 (BA padded themselves with 5% margin)
Total in $ = EURO * BA rate + $7.50 (normal handling charge)
Total in $ = 200*1.2092 + 7.50 = $249.34

2. EURO from BNL D'Italia ATM (3% premium over official rate)
Total in $ = EURO * Official rate + 3%
Total in $ = 200*1.15*1.03 = $236.90

3. EURO from other Italian ATM (3% plus $5, for €200, 5.2% premium over official rate)
Total in $ = EURO * Official rate + 3% + $5.00
Total in $ = 200*1.15*1.03 + 5.00 = $241.90

yes, Italian shoes are the best. I can imagine there are brands there that can only be found in Italy.

I went to Italy last year in May and it was hot/dry. Sounds like this year is gonna be a bit different.

I agree with getting money from the BNL over there.

Now, I am looking for good seafood restaurants in Flornce...Yum

Florence is in Tuscany and seafood isn't usually on their menus. Although with the size of Florence, you can probably find some.

I didn't see too much seafood on any menus in Florence. If you want seafood you will have to go out to the Tuscan coast, Livorno or somewhere like that.
Looking at my weather app this whole week is sunny, dry and about 24 degrees Celsius. Florence can get rather humid as it sits in a bowl.
I wouldn't worry too much about the weather.

Yes, keeping my fingers crosse for the weather. I will be there may 11-21.

Any favorite restaurants?

Here are three places I had very good food in March:

Il Santo Bevitore, via Santo Spirito 64/66r
Make a reservation as it is very popular. Buzzy atmosphere. Food I would say is creative twists on seasonal classics, very delicious.
Just across the river in Oltarno, you could walk from your hotel.

JT Caffe, Piazza Pitti 32/33r Just across from the Pitti Palace
They make great coffee so is a good place to get coffee and a cornetto for breakfast.
They make all their pasta from scratch on site. I had a fantastic lunch there, the three course pasta degustazione, which is three small servings of a different pasta dish, served separately with a small glass of wine paired to the dish. I also had a half portion of the JT salad which was super fresh and delicious.
They have tables outside which is great on a sunny day for people watching.

The owner, Jennifer Tatanelli, also owns the leather/clothing store next door called Casini. Top quality beautiful things, expensive but long lasting. I am still wearing the 2 pairs of ballerina flats I bought there four years ago. Very friendly helpful service.

Third restaurant I liked: Buca Mario, Piazza Ottaviani 16r, this is just steps away from Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Make a reservation, also busy.
Delicious traditional Tuscan food and great service. A very welcoming place. ( I ate here three times and was practically a family member by the time I left. ha ha)

That should get you started. Have fun!

Because if you wear fabric sneakers in the rain all day they will soak up a ton of water and it's likely they will still be wet the next morning and unfit to wear.

Fav restaurant in Florence--in the Oltrarno but very walkable--Quattro Leone. Make reservations, ask for outside seating, weather permitting.

Another vote for Quattro Leone-good food, reasonable prices, friendly and authentic atmosphere. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio, on a quiet little piazza. Have a great trip--we were in Florence for three solid days of rain a couple of summers ago, and it was still a nice trip. Hopefully, the sun will shine while you're there!

these are all awesome! Thank you

I have also been recommended this one"Enoteca Pinchiorri "


I went to make reservations any day btw 11-16th of May and it was full. I have contacted Westin Florence to help me out. I wonder if it is worth it? Or if there is another way to get in.

thanks again

For a different take on food, try the cafe on the Mercato San Ambrogio near Santa Croce - you have to share a table but if you want to try real florentine specialities like tripe salad [really!] ribolata, and bread salad, this is the place. Wine bottles already on the table - you pay for what you drink [more or less].

That cafe was part of my recent foodie tour Ann, and was really good. We had lasagne and pappa al pomodoro.

In regards to Enoteca Pinchiorri, it is a Michelin starred restaurant, very expensive and gets mixed reviews. I considered it but was put off by the prices and mixed reviews. The concierge at the Westin may be your best bet. If you can't get in, not to worry, there are many great dining experiences in Florence.

If you have a chance to do a wine tour, consider Castello di Ama, it was fantastic and has a superb restaurant. Apparently their pappa al pomodoro was said to be better than that of Enoteca Pinchiorri...for what it's worth.

Thank you very much so many good restaurants!

That cafe was part of my recent foodie tour Ann, and was really good. We had lasagne and pappa al pomodoro.>>

I did a "foodie" tour there too, rcg, led by the owner of the nearby pensione I was staying in. She got us to try broad beans and ricotta together [or was it pecorino?] - at any rate it was very good. Later in my stay I picked up some pasta filled with ricotta and pears to bring home - subtle but also very good served with butter and sage.

Can you let us know the name of the cafe on the Mercato San Ambrogio?

Ann, yes! Raw broad beans with pecorino...who knew? Really tasty.
I will have to try and look up the name of that place, it is a very casual and busy local place. ( and I was so busy enjoying the food I did not pay attention to the name) Or maybe you remember off the top of your head Ann?

Found it. It is called Trattoria da Rocco. It is all enclosed in glass, you open sliding glass doors to go in. Sort of looks like a diner plunked down in the market.
You can look at it on Trip Advisor.

nytraveler, can I ask about the tissue-weight raincoat with a hood? Do you recall the brand? It sounds like something I need! I end up wearing my raincoat on the plane because it is too bulky to pack, but then I am also wearing a sweater and scarf - all nice once in-flight but kind of warm when dragging luggage through the airport! And is it water resistant or water proof? I generally prefer water resistant (and breathable).

I run in the rain and end up with soaked running shoes, and I have to say the Nike flyknit dry up very nicely (and I would have to think leather would eventually soak through if it was REALLY raining and take even longer to dry). In any event, as soon as you get to the hotel, take off your shoes, take out the insoles (most athletic shoes have removable insoles) and stuff the shoes with wadded up newspaper. This definitely dries out my shoes between runs, but that is almost 24 hours - hopefully it will work overnight for you.

LLBean makes a cute waterproof loafer that I have been wanting to check out, if you are looking for other options.

Have a great time! I had a fabulous meal at a place called Perseus, but that was 15 years ago (it is still there per TripAdvisor). Delicious food and wonderful service - the entire meal I felt like a guest in someone's home, and the waiters were really attentive and making sure I enjoyed every moment.