At the end of February my friend and I are staying in Siena for 3 nights and then Florence for 6 nights. Need advice on Florence museum planning— thought about getting the museum card but we don’t want to rush around on a “have to see” basis, however, whatever we choose, we would appreciate advice on when and how to visit the major sites.
In Siena, we have one full day trip into Tuscan countryside planned with Roberto, and a day and a half to experience Siena.
While inFlorence, one full day is a daytrip to Arezzo for the antiques market, And we will probably also do a cooking class. That leaves about 3 1/2 days to devote to Florence itself and museums. All suggestions are welcome, including restaurants.. we prefer small, simple places that just serve scrumptious food.
We are staying in a villa south of the Oltrarno, about a 20 minute stroll to the river. Thanks to all.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
There is an excellent small restaurant located between the Arno and Santa Maria Novella called Il Sostanza. Reservations are essential and the restaurant is small and has been run by the same family for many years. The chicken is fabulous and side dishes and desserts do not disappoint.
Posted by
NorCal
385 posts
we prefer small, simple places that just serve scrumptious food
Echo the previous recommendation for Trattoria Sostanza, their Butter Chicken ('pollo al burro') is incredible.
Two other places we thoroughly enjoyed were Diladdarno and Al Tranvai, returning to both restaurants multiple times over a two-week stay.
Inherent to Florence is the walking, which helps offset all the calories at every corner. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
77 posts
Thank you Susan and Matt — that trattoria looks delicious ! How can anything made with butter not be good?! saw pics online ;) — reservations necessary?
The kind people at our hotel villa also recommended their own favorite small eateries in our neighborhood (and even 10 minutes further south) - frequented mostly by Florentines so we’ll try them all - depending upon where we are on a given day. The villa is a 20 minute walk to the river (downhill thankfully), but they also offer a free on-call shuttle with drop off and pick up in 3 convenient locations, so I’m sure we will be using that for the end of day return trip.
Any favorite gelato places? Which were your favorite museums, and neighborhoods?
Also, best places to buy Chocolate?
Thanks
P.
Posted by
North Carolina
2447 posts
Places to see art: Museo San Marco, right close to the Accademia, specializing in Fra Angelico, who had lived there and painted frescos in many of the cells. The Bargello, a former prison that is now a sculpture museum - Donatello's 'David' is there. The Brancacci Chapel, with wonderful frescos.
Gelato: Gelateria Santa Trinita, at the south end of the bridge by the same name.
Edited to add: Recently, I went to visit the Palazzo Davanzati, which is now the Museum of the Florentine House. Really fascinating.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
We loved the Duomo Museum (just behind the Duomo) on our last trip. Amazing artworks, and a great model of the dome.
And I second San Marco; it may be my favorite place in Florence.
Posted by
11133 posts
L'Accademia to see "David" is my favourite place in Florence. Visit the Ufizzi Museum too. Buy tickets ahead. And I also recommend San Marco.
In Arezzo, visit the cathedral with it's beautiful frescoes.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
You'll probably get even more responses if you re-post this in the "Italy" section of this forum (this is the "Italy Reviews" section).
Also, Rick gives answers to most of your questions in his guidebook Florence & Tuscany.
Posted by
616 posts
Hi,
Living part-time in Florence, I would advise you go to il boccale try grilled pork chop (arista di maiale alla brace or al forno or
Various pasta at 5-7 euros
Cheap menu for lunch
Address:
Il boccale
Borgo Santi apostoli 33
Near Florence airport try
Il miccio
http://www.lampredotto-firenze.it/images/menu.pdf
You will find there quality street food such as panini with porchetta or lampredotto, fetunta (Gaelic bread), schiacciata (crispy oily bread), bollito ( meat soup)
Miccio street food is the best but you may find lampredotto and porchetta in many places in Florence. Price between 4-7 euros for a sandwich.
Gusta pizza via Maggio is very much in d’avoir with Americans. Very nice gelatteria near Ponte della Trinita, via maggio.
Have a nice stay in Florence.
Posted by
NorCal
385 posts
that trattoria looks delicious ! ... reservations necessary?
Would consider reservations mandatory at Trattoria Sostanza (for their Dinner service), given the limited number of tables. Our party of 3 shared a larger table with another family, on an off-season midweek night which still found the place completely full.
For a great makeshift lunch near the Uffizi (your post referenced museums over 3-1/2 days), highly recommend Alimentari Uffizi, about a block north between the buildings which sit across from the gallery. This butcher shop has 2-3 tables where they'll create a cutting board of meats and cheeses for whatever your taste (they do this in between helping locals with their take-away purchases). When we were there they brought us some olives and cheeses, razor-thinly sliced prosciutto on the freshest focaccia, and a chianti-style wine in a plastic cup. Maybe it was having just been enamored with all the Botticelli's, but that experience continues to be one of our most memorable 'meals' in Florence. No pretension, no white table cloths... just REAL delicious food in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. From there we walked a mile or so to Vivoli for some wonderful gelato. Hope you have a wonderful time in Firenze!
Posted by
OP
77 posts
thank you everyone! - great suggestions. .....and Gelato is my favorite food group ;)