The Firenze Card in Florence, Italy: Advantages and Disadvantages
When visiting the beautiful city of Florence, Italy, tourists often seek ways to make the most of their time and experience the rich cultural heritage the city has to offer. One popular option for travelers is the Firenze Card, a pass that provides access to numerous museums and attractions in Florence.
What is the Firenze Card?
The Firenzecard is the official 3-day museum pass for exploring Florence, offering unlimited access to over 60 museums within the Firenzecard network for 72 hours, activated upon your first visit.
It gives you priority entry to museums and special exhibitions with no additional fees.
If you are traveling with kids, the card offers another importnat perk: with the Firenze card, children under 18 enjoy free admission, as long as they enter the museum with a card holding parent.
The card is available both as a physical card, or in digital format (use the Firenzecard App).
How much Does the Firenze Card Cost?
the FirenzeCard costs 85 euro, for 72 hours.
What is Included in the Firenze Card?
Many of the leading museums in Florence and covered by the Firenze Card: Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio, the Medici chapels, the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Bargello... As you can see, almost all of the important museums are covered by the card. It's worth noting, however, that many charuches are not covered. For example: The Duomo's dome isn't covered by the card. Neither are most churches.
Is the FirenzeCard Worth It?
Like any travel card, the Firenze Card has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore them in detail:
Advantages of the Firenze Card:
Free Entry: With the Firenze Card, you (and your kids!) can enjoy free entry to a wide range of attractions, including renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's David), and Palazzo Pitti. Tickets for these museums are expensive, so if you're planning on visiting 3 or more, the card can lead to significant savings.
Skip-the-Line Access: One of the biggest advantages of the Firenze Card is the ability to bypass long queues at popular attractions. This allows visitors to save time and make the most of their limited stay in Florence.
Valid for Multiple Days: The Firenze Card is available for 72 hours, and if necessary, you can extend this by applying the "Restart" option: The Restart options means that you can extend your card for two additional days. This option is currently offered free of charge, but will probably require some sort of supplement starting from 2025.
Disadvantages of the Firenze Card:
Almost Everything, But Not Quite Everything, is Covered: While the Firenze Card provides access to many popular museums and attractions, it does not cover all the sites in Florence. Some notable attractions, such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), require separate tickets and are not included in the card.
Advance Booking Still Required for Some Museums! Even with the card, some of the most popular museums (AKA - the Uffizi and the Accademia) still require that you book your slot in advance.
Time Constraints: The Firenze Card is valid for a specific duration, which means you need to carefully plan your itinerary to make the most of it. If you don't visit enough attractions within the card's validity period, you may not fully maximize its value.
No Reserved Time Slots: While the Firenze Card allows you to skip the general ticket line, it does not guarantee a reserved time slot for entry. During peak tourist seasons, certain museums may still have crowded periods, and you may have to wait for some time before gaining entry.
Non-Transferable: The Firenze Card is strictly personal and non-transferable. It is tied to the name of the cardholder, and you may be required to show identification along with the card at various attractions.
Is the Firenze Card a Good Deal for Families?
The Firenze Card can be a very good deal for families, depending on a number of factors. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Are You from the EU? Children from the EU can enter most museums for free, making the card unnecessary.
Are you from the Uk / USA? Many state-run museums offer free entry to children under 18, even for those outside the EU. This means that, in most cases, you won’t need to pay for children’s admission regardless of any special passes or cards. As a result, the card's free entry for family members is only beneficial when visiting museums that don’t typically extend free admission to children.
Number of Family Members: If you are traveling with a larger family, the cost savings can add up quickly. With the Firenze Card, each family member can enjoy free entry to numerous attractions without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.
Duration of Stay: The Firenze Card is available for 72 hours. but will you be in Florence for long enough to take advantage of everything that it offers?
Flexibility and Convenience: This can be very useful for families, especially in high season. The Firenze Card offers skip-the-line entry, which can save time and provide convenience, especially when traveling with children.
The Bottom Line: The Firenze Card Can Be a Great Value—But Only in Certain Situations
The Firenze Card is a convenient option if you plan to visit multiple attractions in Florence. For instance, it’s an excellent choice for families traveling with art-loving teenagers who aim to explore 4-5 museums. In this case, the card offers both value and simplicity. However, if you’re only planning to visit one or two museums, the card’s hefty price tag of €85 likely isn’t worth it. Before purchasing, decide which museums you want to visit, check their admission policies, and evaluate whether the Firenze Card aligns with your itinerary and budget.
Planning a Florence Family Vacation? Looking for Family-friendly Florence Attractions, or Things to do in Florence with kids?
Discover the best family-friendly museums, sights, attractions, restaurants, festivals, activities, nature reserves, beaches, cooking classes and more with our the popular guidebook: Florence & Tuscany with Kids 2025 (sold on Amazon).
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