Europe·Italy

Is Florence Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Florence is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 17 scams, with only 1 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

17

Scams documented

1

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

17

High severity

1

Medium severity

13

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Florence

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Fake Vacation Rental and Apartment Listing

high

Fraudulent short-term rental listings in Florence's historic centre and Oltrarno neighbourhood appear on general classified sites and are sometimes linked from social media. Operators collect a deposit or full payment via bank transfer or informal payment app, then provide an address that does not match any rental property, or deliver entry codes that do not work on arrival. Victims arrive — often late at night — with luggage and nowhere to stay.

How to avoid: Book only through platforms that hold payment in escrow until check-in is confirmed (Airbnb, Booking.com). Never transfer money directly to a landlord before receiving a verifiable rental contract. Verify the listing address on Google Street View before travelling. If a deal is significantly below market rate, treat it as a red flag.

Where: Listings targeting apartments near Santa Croce, Oltrarno/San Niccolò, and within walking distance of the Duomo; fraudulent listings most common on Facebook Marketplace and informal expat groups

By traveler type

Is Florence safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Florence.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Florence before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Florence

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Florence. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Restaurant Cover Charge Shock

Restaurants throughout central Florence, particularly near the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Repubblica. Cover charges (coperto) are legal in Italy but are often not explained to international tourists.

low

Distraction Pickpocket Team

Inside the queue for the Uffizi Gallery, on the Ponte Vecchio (especially mid-bridge), the ATAF bus 14 (connecting to Fiesole), around the Mercato Centrale, and on all city buses departing from Santa Maria Novella

medium

Aggressive Bracelet Sellers Outside Uffizi

The queue line outside the Uffizi Gallery and the surrounding Piazzale degli Uffizi courtyard. Also near the Galleria dell'Accademia entrance queue where the David is housed.

medium

Accademia and Uffizi Ticket Touts

Outside the Galleria dell'Accademia (housing Michelangelo's David) and the Uffizi Gallery — both of which routinely have long queues. Touts position themselves near the queue entry points.

medium

Fake Leather Market Goods

The San Lorenzo leather market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) and surrounding streets. Also in leather shops along Via de' Tornabuoni and near the Santa Croce market. Florence is famous for leather, making tourists assume all local leather is authentic.

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Florence?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

5

29% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

3

18% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

2

12% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

2

12% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

2

12% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

1

6% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

6% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

6% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Florence

1 High — 6%
13 Medium — 76%
3 Low — 18%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Florence

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Florence, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Florence — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Florence's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Florence safe — answered

Is Florence safe for tourists in 2026?
Florence is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 17 documented scams. 1 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, other scams, restaurant scams. Millions of tourists visit Florence safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Florence safe for solo travelers?
Florence has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Florence before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Florence for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Florence include: Restaurants throughout central Florence, particularly near the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Repubblica. Cover charges (coperto) are legal in Italy but are often not explained to international tourists.. Inside the queue for the Uffizi Gallery, on the Ponte Vecchio (especially mid-bridge), the ATAF bus 14 (connecting to Fiesole), around the Mercato Centrale, and on all city buses departing from Santa Maria Novella. The queue line outside the Uffizi Gallery and the surrounding Piazzale degli Uffizi courtyard. Also near the Galleria dell'Accademia entrance queue where the David is housed.. These areas are associated with restaurant scams, street scams, tour & activities incidents.
Is Florence safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Florence is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Florence safe for female travelers?
Florence is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Florence?
The top documented scams in Florence are: Restaurant Cover Charge Shock, Distraction Pickpocket Team, Aggressive Bracelet Sellers Outside Uffizi, Accademia and Uffizi Ticket Touts, Fake Leather Market Goods. The full database covers 17 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Florence?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Florence. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Italy safe to visit in 2026?
Italy as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Florence specifically has 17 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Italy country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Florence is based on 17 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →