Is Florence Safe in December 2026?

Restaurants in the historic centre — especially near the Duomo — routinely add coperto (cover charge) of €3–8 per person, plus a bread charge. These appear at the bottom of bills and are rarely disclosed upfront.

How to avoid: Ask about coperto charges before sitting down. Many restaurants a block or two from major sights charge no cover.

Organised teams of two to four individuals operate in Florence's most-crowded tourist zones. One member creates a distraction — dropping something, pushing into the target, thrusting a map or baby at them — while another lifts a wallet, phone, or unzips a bag from behind. A third member may immediately pass the stolen item further down a chain. Victims typically realise only after the group has dispersed. Teams concentrate wherever tourist density peaks.

How to avoid: Wear a cross-body bag kept in front of your body. Store your phone in a front trouser pocket. Be immediately suspicious of any unexpected physical contact in a crowd, especially anyone who "accidentally" bumps you or asks for help with a map. Do not take items handed to you by strangers.

Men near the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio force bracelets onto tourists' wrists or hold their hand, claiming it is a gift or blessing. Once on, they demand €10–20 and become hostile if refused.

How to avoid: Keep walking and do not make eye contact with bracelet sellers. If someone grabs your wrist, pull back immediately and firmly say "no." You are not obligated to accept any item pressed upon you.

Scalpers outside the Uffizi and Accademia galleries sell timed-entry tickets at inflated prices (€40–60 vs the official €20–25), claiming all online slots are sold out. Some sell entirely fake printed tickets.

How to avoid: Book official tickets through uffizi.it or firenzemusei.it well in advance. Ticket offices never run out of all slots simultaneously.

The San Lorenzo market is filled with vendors claiming to sell "genuine Florentine leather." Much of what is sold is low-quality bonded leather or plastic disguised as genuine article, often at genuine leather prices.

How to avoid: Buy leather goods only from shops with official Genuine Leather certification (look for the Vera Pelle mark). Prices significantly below €80–100 for a belt or wallet are a warning sign.