Exploring the historic centre on foot
If you are staying near the centre, walking is usually the simplest way to get between sights. Plan your day by area rather than crossing the city several times. You can walk from Santa Maria Novella station to much of the historic centre, though the distance feels different with a suitcase.
Wear comfortable shoes and leave time between plans. Progress can be slow on busy streets, especially when groups of visitors converge. If you have reduced mobility or are travelling with a pushchair, check each route in advance: some surfaces are uneven, and some routes are easier to navigate than others.
When buses and trams help
Public transport becomes more useful when your accommodation is outside the centre, you are carrying luggage or you want to avoid a long walk at the end of the day. Trams and buses give you more options, but they do not necessarily make sense for nearby monuments: reaching a stop, waiting and walking the final stretch can take more effort than going on foot.
Before setting out, check the current route and payment options. If you plan to visit several places in one day, group them on a map first; you may find that you only need transport for the outward or return journey.
Across the Arno and up the hills
Crossing into Oltrarno is part of the pleasure of exploring Florence. The river helps you find your bearings, and you can visit both banks without treating every crossing as an excursion.
Climbing to a viewpoint is different: the slope can be tiring, particularly in the heat or after hours of walking. Save your energy for the climb and decide how to return based on how you feel.
Is renting a car worth it?
For a stay focused on Florence, a car usually adds complications. Restrictions on driving in the centre, the search for parking and the need to leave the car far from some sights make it less useful. Do not drive into central streets relying only on your satnav: check the access rules and where you can park beforehand.
A car makes more sense if your trip includes several places outside the city and you need flexibility. In that case, choose accommodation with access in and out of the city and parking in mind, not just proximity to the monuments. If you are planning only one excursion, compare public transport options first.
For most people, the easiest approach is to explore the centre on foot, use public transport for longer journeys and save the car for a trip that genuinely takes you beyond Florence. That leaves time to pause, which is another way to find your bearings.