We have about three hours between our bus from Siena and catching the train to Venice. What sites can we see in that amount of time and we need to factor in lunch as well. I was thinking about seeing the Duomo from the outside and going to Ponte Vecchio. Does anyone else have better ideas?
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1077 posts
Walk - that's my best suggestion. Maybe walk from the bus station to the Arno, to the Ponte Vecchio, over towards the Duomo (plenty to see on the way), then to the Mercato Centrale for a little shopping and where lunch (on the second floor) can be quick and good. You'll see plenty from the outside that will help you plan your return to see the inside!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16321 posts
If you have luggage with you, you also need time to go to the Deposito bagagli for storing it at the station. So almost half hour is gone for that process. At least another half hour is necessary to retrieve it and walk to the departure platform. So now you have 2 hours left.
I would not advise to go to a sit down restaurant for lunch, because in Italy that is at least a two hour affair. Maybe you can get some lampredotto sandwiches to eat on the train. With two hours at your disposal you can visit Santa Maria Novella Church, which is close to the station. From there you can walk down via del Sole all the way to Via de' Tornabuoni to see some fancy stores, the Ferragamo palace, then end up at the ponte santa trinita for a nice picture of the Ponte Vecchio. Ok time to head back to the station.
Posted by
OP
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
I forgot about dropping off bags. We are planning on a quick lunch. Nothing sit down. Thanks
Posted by
1088 posts
Walking around the Duomo and getting a glimpse of Ponte Vecchio is a solid plan. If you feel like you have more time, Santa Maria Novella is a good add-on. It’s very close to the train station and packed with wonderful and important art.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1272 posts
The Mercato Centrale Firenze is about a 10 minute walk from the train station if that interests you. Check out the market and grab something quick to eat upstairs if you want and you're definitely in the urban bustle of Florence at that point. The past the various famous sites to the Uffizi and the river and then back up along the river and turn right Ponte alla Carraia or Vespucci to hook back to the train station area.
Leave some time for hassles because Florence train station is busy and everyone is packed into a tight area.
Have a great trip,
=Tod