Pedestrian streets in Florence

It is the center core of Florence. Pretty obvious when you get there. That is where the crowds are. Not sure why you would need a map. Just get a good map of Florence.

The plastic coated Streetwise maps highlight the pedestrian streets in pink I think.

The map linked below shows Florence's ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Within that area bordered in red only cars with permit (basically residents within the sector) can enter and park during the hours the ZTL is in effect (Monday through Saturday, except for nights). Wherever you see a T there is a high definition camera taking pictures of cars entering the ZTL. Residents have a remote electronic transponders that communicate electronically with the camera unit they have permission to enter. All other vehicles will be photographed and, if they are not authorized to enter, a fine will be issued to the registered vehicle owner.

Within the map linked below you will notice streets and piazzas (squares) that are highlighted in green. Those streets/ squares are fully pedestrianized. Meaning no cars whatsoever are allowed (not even residents). These are streets which are basically like shopping malls. Just walking areas for pedestrians with no cars or motorcycles whatsoever, except for emergency vehicles.

http://www.serviziallastrada.it/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=224&func=download&id=150&chk=f9bf118cf047d75cb94b39b4a704e5aa&no_html=1&lang=it

I am a fan of OpenStreetmap. One of it's advantages over Google maps is it is more orientated to the way European cities look, it shows pedestrianised streets clearly and differently to streets with cars.
Click here for a map of central Florence: http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=17/43.77035/11.25443
Pedestrianised streets are a blue/grey shade. "Car" streets are white.

What I saw last year was that several smaller streets that were for cars - were crowded with pedestrians, too. The pedestrian crowd would slowly part to make way for the cars.

ZTL doen't mean pedestrian streets though; there is plenty of local traffic in Florence, they just ban cars owned by outsiders from driving in the center of the city. These old once medieval cities just don't have the carrying capacity for cars and they really really really don't want you driving in them and hence have very strict fines and enforcement for outsiders trying to drive in.

Frank, I am more interested in planning at this point than relying on maps when I get there. That is why I asked about online maps.

Chris, thanks for the link.

TW, I wouldn't worry overly much about pedestrian-only streets. You won't be able to avoid auto routes everywhere - especially in Rome where there are fewer than in Florence - and Italy has sidewalks and crosswalks just like here. The map will be helpful but I wouldn't go out of my way just to avoid a street with cars and motorcycles (which are everywhere!).

Kathy, are Italian drivers usually compliant at crosswalks? Many times I have seen drivers completely ignore crosswalks between both stop signs and traffic lights when they hit the brakes. Sometimes I see a crosswalk between intersections and drivers think it does not exist. I will not go out of my way to stay on ZTL streets, but they certainly would be helpful if Italian drivers are like that.

NO !!! Crosswalk markings and stop lights (walk lights) are only an indicated of desired behavior in Italy. Crossing busy streets in any major city in Italy can be challenging. Keep in mind, that they have no interest in hitting you, too messy, so keep walking quick and straight and they will miss you. Find a group of locals or follow a local as they cross the street and you will be fine. And the Vespas are notorious for cutting closely BEHIND you. That is why is very important that once you start to cross the street you do not stop or slow down. TLZ have nothing to do with closed streets. They are traffic LIMITED zones. Limited to local traffic with proper permit. Can be just as busy as regular streets. But even the pedestrian only streets will cross many busy streets.

Kathy, are Italian drivers usually compliant at crosswalks? Many times
I have seen drivers completely ignore crosswalks between both stop
signs and traffic lights when they hit the brakes

That happens to me almost daily at an intersection close to my house so I don't think much about it in Rome, Florence, Milan, etc. because it's not that much different. As Frank said, they're in trouble if they hit you (unless you disobey the rules) so just follow the the locals and GO; hesitation is what messes them up. Yes, motorcycles will zip behind you but if you're in the crosswalk and/or watching the signals at those which have them, they won't run you down. And it's not EVERY street.

It makes more sense when you're there and seeing firsthand how it works.

Thanks everyone. Now I have one less thing to worry about as a first time visitor.

Driving is a sport in Italy, but the penalties for traffic accidents (let alone causing injury) are steep compared to the US.

When I lived in Roma, it took me a week of crossing Piazza Venezia behind groups of nuns before I thought I could survive it on my own.

When I lived in Roma, it took me a week of crossing Piazza Venezia
behind groups of nuns before I thought I could survive it on my own.

I remember you saying that in a previous post, Zoe, and having a HUGE chuckle. Having navigated (sweat?) Piazza Venezia myself, I absolutely understood where you were coming from!

Yep, following a nun or a priest is reassuring…and there are no shortages of either in Rome. HA!