Be Safe In Florence

As with much of Tuscany, Florence is perhaps one of the safest tourist areas in Italy with no major health concerns to worry about and it has a nice and compact city centre which is well lit. Pickpockets are the main threat to be aware of when visiting Florence, but common sense should keep you out of their reach.

Health

Florence has no major contagious diseases to worry about and no immunisations are required to enter Italy, although you may require a yellow fever inoculation if you have recently been visiting or live in a country that has yellow fever. There are several good quality hospitals and clinics in Florence as well as 24-hour pharmacies.

Citizens of EU countries can receive free healthcare at government hospitals due to government reciprocal agreements, yet citizens from other countries must ensure their travel insurance covers them medically.

Tourist Medical Service (24 hours): +39 55 475 411
Ambulance: 118

Safety

There is very little violent crime in Florence, especially regarding tourists, although visitors should keep a special eye out for pickpockets. Gypsy children tend to be the worst offenders of this practice; sent out, by their parents, to rob tourists . The worst areas are around the train station, Stazione di Santa Maria Novella, and in the old historical town around the big attractions. Keep your wits about you in these areas; keep valuables out of sight and bags strapped across shoulders.

Areas to stay away from after dark include the Cascine Park, which runs along the northern bank of the River Arno to the west of the city centre, and the Arno mudflats, which are located below the Lungarno embankments. Both these areas get quite seedy after dark and have a reputation for drugs and muggings.

Police: 113
Florence central police: +39 55 49 771