Train Station in Florence

Many European train stations, and some major metro stations, have loiterers that might ask for something or offer to "assist" you in return for you giving them a little something. A sharp "no" is all that is necesary if approached. You are highly unlikely to be accosted in any physical way. There aslo might be those advertising various tourist businesses, such as taxis or hotels. Again, with them, a sharp "no" is all that is necessary. On very rare occasions, groups of children might try to distract you with papers or other means while someone attempts to pick your pocket. A sharp "no" and swat at whatever they fling in your face is all that is necessary. The above are all possibilities, sometimes not only at train stations. I give them in the spirit of people expecting the unexpected. Please do not think traveling in Florence or any European city is like running a guantlet of beggers and theives.

First, the train station is very near the center of Florence so you are not really walking into town. Second, I have not noticed anything more unusual about Florence's train station area than other big city train stations. We are almost always approach by people asking if we need a hotel, taxi, etc. - shake you head no and move on. It helps to have min luggage so that you can move quickly but I don't think of it as being a problem.

We have never had that kind of problem, not in Florence or anywhere else. Just walk with a purpose and act like you know exactly where you are going, and don't make eye contact with people who try to offer assistance, if you encounter any.

Street people while leaving the station? Never heard of that and I actually served in the police force inside the Florence station over 30 years ago. The only people approaching you will be people soliciting your business offering you to take you to their hotel. Just say you already have a hotel and move on. As you arrive walk in the direction of the arriving train toward the hall, then turn left on the hall toward the left exit, past the McDonald's and the Pharmacy. If you decide to walk to the hotel just turn (past the pharmacy) down to the escalators on your right and take the underpass (a sort of underground mall) all the way across the piazza. You will re-emerge at the beginning of via de' Panzani/Piazza dell'Unita'. Proceed on via Panzani toward the Duomo. Ask for direction to your exact hotel address. If you have lots of luggage, you may want to take a taxi from the station for a 5 min. ride. The taxi stand is in front of the station. There are lots of policemen in plain clothes inside the Florence train station and they keep an eye on you, they are like the Tourists' Guardian Angels. In summer you can probably tell them apart because they have a purse across the shoulder, like women. They are not gay, it's just that in summer the purse makes it much easier to hide the 9mm Beretta and a pair of handcuffs. Don't worry too much, Florence is much safer than Buffalo. Just stay away from crowds where the guardian angels can lose sight of you. And don't leave your luggage unattended. You won't believe how many tourists do that. The guardian angels can only do so much, you need to cooperate as well. Stay with your bags and keep the panhandling gipsy kids at bay (if any are around, and that includes anywhere in Europe, not just stations). They might look cute and needy, but they are after your wallet the minute you pull it out to hand them a little change.

We didn't have any issues in September. Didn't see any beggars, etc. You will see some beggars sitting next to buildings with hands out for money, but you can just walk by, they are not aggressive.

I wouldn't be bothered by the possibility of being approached by street people. I would be more concerned about getting across the street in front of the train station without getting killed in traffic. It may be a fairly short walk, but in January, you might want to just get a taxi and be done with it.

I would take a taxi, it's not expensive. Piazza Republica is too far to walk with children and luggage, especially if you don't know Florence. Once you get settled into you hotel, then you can set out on foot. Florence is extremely safe. I lived there for a year in college and walked at all times of day/night, never having a problem.

Charles, I've never had any problems being "set upon by street people" in Florence or anywhere else in Italy. There may certainly be pickpockets in the station, but if you wear a Money Belt and take reasonable precautions you shouldn't have any problems. You'll also need to be vigilant at other times during your visit while you're touring around the city, especially in crowded places (ie: crowded Bus, queues at Museums, etc.). I suspect that the number of pickpockets and scammers may not be as much of a problem in January, as standing out in the cold won't be too pleasant for them. I transited through Firenze SMN in September and wasn't even approached by anyone. The information from Roberto provides an excellent perspective on the situation. One other point to mention is that there is more than one rail station in Florence, so you'll need to specify the correct one when buying your tickets. Happy travels!

I have been to Florence 13 times. My most recent trip was 2011. I have never seen or heard of anyone being accosted. I am a female over 60 who would not hesitate to walk from the S.M.N. station to any destination in Florence.

@Nicole, "Just watch for the ones who want you to sign a petition against drugs" I've encountered that scam before on several occasions, and always tell them to "take a hike" (although the terminology I use is not always that polite). It always seemed to be a bit "odd" that they'd be presenting a petition with English wording, that was supposedly going to be presented to local authorities (who may or may not be able to deal with written English). There's also the fact that local authorities would likely only be concerned with petitions from local residents (voters and taxpayers), and could care less what tourist names are listed on it. Cheers!

Just watch for the ones who want you to sign a petition against drugs (or whatever he cause of the day is)...then will hassle you for a donation...I just shook my head and kept walking, but hubby stopped - I don't think he gave anything...note, this also happened in Venice (same scam, when hubby did give a few euro...you think he would have rem that) a few yrs ago, and in Avignon with the 'deaf and dumb' girls...who were very persistent...otherwise, no problems for us

No, I have never had a problem in Florence near the train station. There used to be quite a population of people from eastern Europe who would ask for money, especially around major museums or at major churches but a year ago, I did not notice as many. Try to act like you know where you are going and if you don't know exactly where you are going, ask directions at the train station from the ticket counter or read RickSteves guide beforehand if indeed you have a RickSteves hotel. On the street I'm always careful about asking directions but after a while you get a feel for that as well. Florence is wonderful!!

Earlier this summer I stayed at a hotel on the Piazza S.M.N. and spent quite a bit of time on the piazza which is a major walkway to the train station. I never felt unsafe and was only approached once for money. Just shake your head and they move away. Seems there are always caraberini nearby. A money belt gives peace of mind.

The last time I was in Florence I discovered the tunnel that passes under the station to the other side of the piazza. I remember seeing shops along the way. The only time I was ever approached anywhere in Florence was outside the train station. A man there wanted me to go to his B&B; he gave me instructions, but the place was too far away.

We stayed in a Hotel in the Piazza republica & walked from Train station. Like any other big city, keep your ears & eyes open...and I am famous for using a "scowly-face" hahaha. I found it no worse or better than any other urban train station. A firm "Basta!" should be enough. I mapped out the walk while on train, so I spent little time loitering around wondering which way to go. Use a MONEY belt, and do not get distrascted.

I so remember this concern from our trip. I had heard the same thing and was petrified that I would navigate my husband right into trouble. All that worrying for nothing. I just made sure I knew exactly how I wanted to exit the train station, but that was probably too much worrying.