Contrary to popular belief, there are several well-maintained,
clean
public toilets dotted around Florence and the Tourist Information offices in Florence
provide a small map that indicates the locations of these "public
restrooms" in Florence. These toilet facilities currently cost 60
centesimi to use, with the exception of the one opposite the entrance to the
Baptistry, in the same place as the Baptistry ticket office.
The latter costs one euro and is of high standard. Others are
located on Borgo Santa Croce, behind the Mercato Centrale, near Piazza della Passera in the Oltrarno and to the left of the church of Santa Maria Novella, in the
piazza of Santa Maria Novella. Click this link
to download the map of public
toilets in Florence.
Other public WCs are located in the SMN railway station and the
SITA bus station. These also require payment but are recommended more for emergency use.
Department stores and other large stores such as Edison and Martelli bookstores
also have good toilet facilities and there are usable facilities
in Macdonalds hamburger joints. Coin (Via Dei Calzaiuoli, 56/R) and Rinascente (Piazza della Repubblica) are two big department stores located near the
Duomo that have free public toilets.
It is also recommended to take advantage of the toilet facilities of any
bar, cafe or restaurant you might be patronising. These are sometimes
locked and you simply ask the cashier for the key. In principle,
you can go into any bar - and they are numerous - and ask to use
the toilets but it's generally a good idea if you or someone with
you takes a coffee, cold drink, gelato etc at the counter as
"payment". After all, it costs these places money to
maintain their facilities.
Some but not all tourist attractions have WC's, as for example at Santa Croce church,
on the lower level as you exit. Normally these toilets are for ticket holders only, so, once again, take advantage of the facilities while you are there. |