Is there any more quintessential Italian experience than riding a Vespa around the streets of Florence? The capital city of the Tuscany region is brimming with Renaissance architecture and artistic masterpieces, and the streets bear the marks of the city’s long history. If you plan on traveling to Italy, Florence should absolutely be on your itinerary of cities to visit.
Florence, or Firenze as it’s known to the Italians, has its origins in the Roman Empire, but its history does not stop there. This city was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and was one of the most culturally important cities in Europe from the 14th to 16th centuries. Today, you can find historical landmarks, delicious food, world-class shopping centers, and much more all throughout Florence. With so much to do in the city, hiring a scooter and cruising around the streets is the best way to maximize your time there.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a scooter in Florence. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Whether it is a good idea to drive in Florence
- Where to find scooter hire
- The price of renting a motor scooter
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive a scooter in Italy
- How to spend a day in Florence
Is It a Good Idea to Drive in Florence?
First of all, if you’ve never driven a motor scooter before, Florence may not be the best place to learn. Driving in Florence is similar to driving in some of the larger cities in the United States, but it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. If you do plan on hiring a motor scooter in Florence, make sure to drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Driving in the city also becomes increasingly difficult due to traffic restricted zones known as “ZTLs”. These zones are meant to limit the amount of traffic in areas with a lot of pedestrians, and so only taxis, buses, and locals are allowed to drive in them. These areas are marked by flashing red lights, and if you enter one, a camera will take a picture of your license plate and your license plate number will be run through a database. If you enter a ZTL as a tourist, you will be fined.
All that being said, traveling around Florence on a rental scooter gives you the freedom to move around on your own time without having to wait for public transportation. The bus system in Florence is pretty good, but it can often take a while for buses to arrive. Hiring a scooter is still the best way to get around.
Where Can You Hire a Scooter in Florence?
Within the city, District 1 is the best area to find scooter hire. This is the central area of the city that sits right on the Arno River, and many of the city’s popular hotels and restaurants are located there.
If you plan on flying into Florence Airport, there are many places to hire a car or a van right outside the terminals; however, for scooter rental, you’ll probably have to take a taxi into the city. District 1 and Statuto are the best places to begin your search for a rental scooter.
What Is the Price of Scooter Rental in Florence?
To rent a 125cc scooter in Florence, such as a Honda SH125, you’ll most likely be paying around €35 per day. You may be able to find a rental scooter for cheaper, but you should make absolutely sure that the rental service is legitimate.
If you want a more powerful scooter, like a Vespa GTS 300, you can expect to pay around €75 per day. If you plan on driving only within the city limits, however, a 125cc scooter will be perfectly sufficient.
Make sure that whatever scooter hire shop you choose to do business with includes the price of helmet rental and insurance.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Scooter in Italy?
Non-EU tourists in Italy are required by law to carry a valid driver’s license from their home country as well as an international driving permit with them at all times while operating a motor vehicle, including a scooter. While some rental shops may not enforce this law, the Italian police typically do.
To obtain an international driving permit, you can apply here. There is a $20 application fee, and the permit typically takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail. Once you receive your permit, it’s valid for one year.
How to Spend a Day in Florence with a Scooter
Now that you’re up to speed on everything you need to hire a motor scooter in Florence, here’s some ideas for spending a great day driving around the city:
Galleria dell’Accademia
Located about a 15 minute drive north from the Arno River is one of the best places to get a taste of Florence’s incredible artistic history. The Galleria dell’Accademia house some of the most famous Italian works of all time, such as Michelangelo’s David.
The admission tickets to the museum are €20 for adults, but it’s well worth it to have the experience of seeing the works of Michelangelo, Boticelli, and da Vinci with your own eyes.
Piazza del Duomo
Take another short 15 minute drive from the Galleria dell’Accademia back down toward the Arno River and you’ll find yourself at the Piazza del Duomo, one of the most iconic places in all of Europe.
While you’re there, make sure to enter the cathedral. Entry is completely free to the general public; however, there are certain places within the cathedral that you need tickets to enter. If you want to climb to the Giotto’s bell tower for one of the best views in the entire city, you’ll need to make a reservation online at least one day in advance.
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Now that you have a hired scooter, you can drive over one of the finest bridges in Italy, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Located just a short 2 minute drive south from the Piazza del Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge crosses the Arno River at its narrowest point. As you drive along, you’ll be surrounded by buildings on either side, most of which contain shops full of glittering gold and silver.
Driving along the Ponte Vecchio Bridge on a sunny day is truly a surreal experience, and once you get to the other side, you’ll be greeted by the Palazzo Pitti, a Renaissance royal palace that houses some incredible works of art.
Explore Florence on a Rental Scooter
Whether your motivation for traveling to Florence is to see famous artworks, go shopping, or learn about the city’s history, renting a scooter is the best way to get around. It will give you the flexibility to go where you want to go, whenever you want to go there! Viva Firenze!
Do you still have questions about scooter rentals in Florence? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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