Florence in December?

Question

I'm looking to visit Florence this December 1st though 8th. Does anyone know if its a terrible time to travel then? I understand it will be cold but its what we can afford. I also will be bringing with me a almost 2 year old for the journey. Any advice on the trip and the weather? Suggestions on travel agencys or sites to book through? Thanks!

Answer 1

Just want to add something to Mario's comment. The 8th of December is national holiday in Italy so a lot of people spend that week visiting artistic city like Florence. From the 22nd it starts Christmas time, and Florence is a good romantic place to go. So no crowd and low price mainly the second and the third weeks of December. Cheers.

Answer 2

Go to Venere.com. Book your stay at the Hotel Constatini which is a stone throw from the Duomo, clean, inexpensive, great staff and free breakfast. Located centrally, you can be at the famous  Uffizi Museum in 5 minutes .

The only negative thing people say about this hotel is that they can hear the cathedral bells ring at 7:30 AM. My question would have to be why are they sleeping still when in Florence????

We paid $80/night for a queen size bedroom with mini fridge in November and believe me in Florence that is a real bargain!

The staff even kept our bags free of charge as on the last day we had to check out early and our train did not leave until  4 hours later. They are very helpful with reservations for eateries that are very inexpensive. If you get a chance, go to the central market; it's a true italian food experience. On your way there you will see incredible bargains for leather as the street vendors open up shop for the day.

Also do not miss going to Fiesole, a small town easily reached by bus, which rests on the hills surrounding Florence. Besides having incredible views of Florence, you will be able to visit the local Etruscan Museum (one of the best I have ever seen since not much remains of this pre-roman empire civilization) and on the grounds of the museum, there is one of the very few Roman amphitheaters built against a hill "greek style".

I grew up in Italy in the north on the coast near France and I can tell you that as pretty as it was there..if I ever was to go back and live in Italy, Florence would be my place of residence...clean,classy, filled with art, italian tradition and friendly people.

Answer 3

Florence was great in December weather wise in 2006, but it snowed in 2005. It is really hit or miss, but usually not the coldest month of the year. You do have to watch the holidays - sometimes the Uffizi has no lines at all in December in January, but it can be very crowded in this city at any time of the year if the weather is right or there is a holiday, and Christmas time does see some foreign tourism, but nothing like the warm months. I would check venere.com for Italian hotels - they are based in Italy, have great prices and usually a good selection. Craigs list is definitely getting more popular and there are alot of interesting short term apts. available. If you have a 2 year old and a stroller you need to think about buildings w/ elevators though - don't forget that the 1st. fl. in Italy is the second fl. in the U.S. and there can be a lot of steps. I would try to stay right in the center (centro) if I was you. There is lots of good info on things to do, places to eat, etc. on Florence Journal.com

Answer 4

Perfect if you want to enjoy town without too much crowd, no lines to get to museums...

Weather, you never know, can be snow of rain or just cold but not too cold.

Accommodations, there is a plenty of them, it is low season period, cheaper, easy to find, you can check hotels, private apartments or bed and breakfast.

Web site, check on:

http://florence.craigslist.org/vac/

http://www.tuscanweb.com

Hope it helps.