Hi, I know that this question has been posted in the past, but I wanted to get the latest. We are traveling in May and are a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children under the age of 18). If we buy the Amici degli Uffizi membership, it would cost 140 euro vs. 250 euro for the Firenze card. We are staying within view of the Duomo, and I've heard that we can walk everywhere. Is that true? The membership seems like a better value as it allows access to the museums multiple times without waiting in the ticket line. The museums we are most interested in are the Uffizi and Accademia. I've checked into getting reservations, but I love the idea of being able to go back multiple times, especially with kids as I'm sure they will not be as interested in staying as long as I. Am I missing anything? I know the Firenze card covers more museums, so maybe it really is a better value? We only have 3 days. We will be there on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Any tips from seasoned travelers? Thanks!
Becky
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
If you want to go back multiple times, I definitely recommend the membership. I think the Firenze card just allows one admission. Check museums card website (the Italian website, not their US counterpart); there's a list of covered museums there... You can see if any "musts" aren't included. And I think museums that aren't covered are inexpensive... relative to the cost of Uffizi and Accademia plus reservations. The Accademia probably won't take much time. (I'm not a fan of David, but is there is a wonderful collection of Intl Gothic panel paintaings upstairs,and some interesting icons on the stairway.) I'd suggest heading for the Uffizi on Friday morning, very early. The Uffizi is also very pleasant and uncrowded late in the day; I've seen the halls almost empty in the 1-2 hours before closing. The convent of San Marco is very near the Accademia (about 2 blocks), and has an amazing collection of Fra Angelico's work in an early convent setting (a building that may interest your children). There's also the Palazzo Davanzati, a medieval merchant's house; that may also be of interest and might be a nice break for kids vs art museums (eg, I remember kids really enjoying seeing medieval bathrooms, dumbwaiters, etc). Three days isn't much time in Florence, so you may want to prioritize carefully before you arrive. And as a break for your kids, there's lots of great gelato, obviously, but since you're staying near the Duomo, there's a really good Grom less than a block away.
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
922 posts
If you are staying within view of the Duomo, you can walk everywhere. We stayed at the Accademia Hotel and it was no more than a 15 minute walk to the Uffizi and the Arno River. I would also suggest crossing the river to explore there if you have a chance. There are some nice churches with excellent art on that side as well.
Posted by
OP
Woodinville, WA
97 posts
Thanks for your tips! I suspected it would be a good deal, but I wanted to find out from people in the know. Thanks!
Becky
Posted by
Oakland, CA
1 posts
Hi, I would like to purchase the Amici degli Uffizi Membership card. I would like to order it on-line. There isn't time for it to be mailed to me before my trip. Thus, do I have to pick it up at the Museum? Is the Welcome Desk the only place it can be picked up? We arrive on Sat night and the Welcome Desk Hours are Tues - Sat. Thanks, Alice
Oakland, CA 3/30/13
Posted by
OP
Woodinville, WA
97 posts
Hi Alice, I received an e-mail from Amici Degli Uffizi, and they had in red and bold that their Welcome Desk is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10a to 5p. When are you leaving? They also said it would take three weeks if I had them mailed, but I haven't ordered yet (will do that tomorrow as we aren't going to leave until the beginning of May). You can order them online, but you still have to pick them up at the Welcome Desk from what I can tell. Good luck! Their website is http://www.amicidegliuffizi.it. It's not the only option, but I liked that you could enter the museums multiple times (with kids that seemed like it would work better for our family as I know not all of my kids will be thrilled to be in the museums, and my husband and I can tag team :). There may be another way to get the membership card, but I would suggest contacting them directly. Becky