TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

There are three TIs in Florence: across the train station, near the Duomo and on Via Cavour.

The Tourist Information office across the square from the train station is most crowded - expect long lines. It's very easy to reach this TI office, it's 100 yards away from the train station. It is in Piazza Stazione, 4. Mon - Sat 8.30 - 19.00, Sun 8.30 - 14.00, tel +39 055-212-245, turismo3@comune.fi.it,  http://www.firenzeturismo.it/

The TI near the Duomo is pleasant and helpful. Address: Loggia del Bigallo - Piazza San Giovanni. Mon - Sat 9.00 - 19.00, Sun 9.00 - 14.00, tel +39 055-288-496, bigallo@comune.fi.it

Another winner is the TI three blocks north of the Duomo, in Via Cavour, 1red, Mon - Sat 8.30 - 18.30, closed on Sundays and festivities,  tel +39 055-290-832 or +39 055-290-833, info1@firenzeturismo.it
There is an international bookstore across the street.

And there is also a TI at the Florence airport "Amerigo Vespucci", at the arrival terminal open every day 8.30 - 20.30, tel +39 055315-874, infoaeroporto@firenzeturismo.it

At any TI, pick up thiese resourses:

• a free map ( ask for the "APT" map, wich has the bus routes)
• a current museums-hours listing (extremely important, since no guidebook has ever been able to accurately predict the hours of Florence's sights for the coming year)
• the free Florence Concierge Information magazine wich lists museums, concerts, markets, sporting events, church services, shopping ideas, some bus and train connections, and an entire similar section on Siena
• The Florentine newspaper published in english for expats and tourists, with great articles giving cultural insights.

Tourist Information office
Loggia del Bigallo, Piazza San Giovanni - Florence - Italy